Tyranid Character Guide

The Ymgarl Genestealer Strain

 Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Tyranid Genestealers 3 Chapter 2: Ymgarl Genestealer Characters 22
Tyranid Physiology 3 Creating Ymgarl Genestealer Explorers 22
Genestealer Reproduction 4 Genetic Legacy 23
Brood Mind 4 Ymgarl Genestealer Career Path 24
Infiltration 4 New Skills 29
Tyranid Genestealer Generations 5 New Talents 30
Hive Fleet Invasion 6 New Traits 33
Ymgarl Genestealers 6 Chapter 3: Tyranid Armory 34
Ymgarl 6 Ranged Weapons 35
Ymgarl in the Koronus Expanse 7 Melee Weapons 36
Methodology and Goals 7 Armory Table 37
Koronus Ymgarl Physiology 7 Chapter 4: Tyranid Psychic Powers 38
Other Tyranid Bioforms 8 Tyranid Psychic Powers Chart 38
Carnifex 8 Tyranid Psychic Power Descriptions 38
Gargoyle 10 Chapter 5: Tyranid Starships 40
Hive Tyrant 11 Tyranid Starship Special Rules 43
Hormagaunt 11 Creating Tyranid Starships 44
Lictor 12 Tyranid Starship Hulls 46
Ravener 13 Chapter 6: Alternate Career Ranks 48
Ripper Swarm 14 Ymgarl Fleetmaster 50
Termagant 15 Ymgarl Genestealer Magus 52
Trygon 15 Ymgarl Impersonator 54
Tyranid Warrior 17 Ymgarl Scavenger 56
Tyranid Warrior Prime 17 Ymgarl Splicer 58
Tyrant Guard 18 Chapter 7: Ascendant Ymgarl 60
Venomthrope 20 Expanded Ymgarl Career Path 61
Zoanthrope 21 New Talents/Traits 63
A Note from the Author 68

2
 Tyranid Genestealers
Source Disclaimer: All lore in this section is taken from the
Deathwatch RPG, primarily the Core Rulebook and Mark of the
Xenos, and Ymgarl Genestealer lore comes from
wh40k.lexicanum.com and warhammer40k.wikia.com
I can think of few greater xenos threats to the
Imperium than that of the Genestealer. An apex
predator possessed of intelligence and cunning that
rival our own, they exist for the sole purpose of
reproducing in vast numbers and sowing utter chaos
in their wake.
Inquisitor Kalistradi from "The Nature of the Beast"
Genestealers were the first Tyranid species to be
encountered by the Imperium. But before the
Imperium had knowledge of the Tyranids as a species,
they believed Genestealers were a separate species
indigenous to the moons of Ymgarl which spread to
other planets by infiltrating passing cargo ships and
derelict Space Hulks. It is believed Genestealers were
introduced to the moons of Ymgarl in M35 from Hive
Fleet Tiamet in the Tiamet System, carried inside the
Imperial vessels that were sent to destroy the system.
When the Battle for Macragge with Hive Fleet
Behemoth took place, Technomagi spent years
classifying the left-behind bodies, including
Genestealers used as Tyranid shock troops. Further
investigation confirmed that all Genestealers were in
fact Tyranids.
The truth is that infiltrating Genestealers had been
working their way into the galaxy for thousands of
years prior to the invasion of the Hive Fleets proper.
Tyranid Physiology
Genestealers are stronger and hardier than
Humans, able to withstand even the most hostile
environments unprotected, including hard vacuum,
and are capable of living for centuries. They are a
highly intelligent species with a disproportionately
large and adaptive brain that is housed in a bulbous
head. They combine extraordinary intelligence and
subtlety of mind with remarkable strength and
quickness of body.
Genestealers are bipedal, standing in a perpetual
crouch, and have two sets of arms, one equipped with
Human-like hands, one with powerful ripping claws.
Their dense musculature and the distending hinge of
3
their jaw allows the generation of incredible bite-
pressure.
Their olfactory organ is linked at its base to the
rear of their palate, combining their scent and taste for
possible use as a sophisticated air-analysis method.
They also display respiratory gill systems along the
dermis/valves between their fused exo-ribs. This
system is then somehow linked to breathing holes on
their limbs and cranium.
However these characteristics may not be general
across all Genestealers, as they are one of the most
mutable Tyranid species and often exhibit a wide and
varying range of different traits. It has been
hypothesised that these traits manifest depending on
the particular host species the infection discovers; but
this theory has been disregarded by some experts,
citing that the traits are more likely different
Genestealer subspecies altogether, which are separate
from the host.
Purestrain Genestealers are Genestealers which
have been spawned not through the process of
infecting hosts but rather by the hive ships themselves
in great bio-factories and birthing vats. Not polluted or
altered by inferior genetic material, they are
markedly stronger and faster than a normal
Genestealer and possess a wider variety of adaptive
biomorphs. This is intentional, as Purestrain
Genestealers are the creatures from which all other
Genestealers are born, and even a single Purestrain
Genestealer can create a vast brood from a local
population given time and enough raw material.
Genestealer Reproduction
Possibly the most terrifying aspect of
Genestealers is their insidious method of
reproduction. Genestealers reproduce completely
separate from a Hive Fleet, unlike the majority of
other Tyranid creatures. Through the use of a tube-
like tongue called an Ovipositor, they insert a tiny
embryonic organism containing their own genetic
material into a host victim. Over time this organism
alters the host's genetic code, and their consciousness
is also completely suppressed by a localised version
of the Hive Mind, known as the Brood Mind,
becoming a virtual slave. Any offspring born by the
host will be horrific Genestealer Hybrids, which the
host will be psychically mesmerised to care for,
giving rise to the Genestealer Cults that grow in
secret within human and other societies.
Brood Mind
Genestealers have an interlinking telepathy
similar to the greater Hive Mind which is generated
by the entire Tyranid race. This Brood Mind is
smaller and more localised than the Hive Mind and is
used to exert complete control over their host victims
and also for communication. It also acts as a psychic
beacon to draw a Hive Fleet towards the infestation in
order to devour the planet.
4
Infiltration
Genestealers form the first wave of a Tyranid
invasion, either infiltrating a suitable world hundreds
of years before the actual invasion, or in the more
short term, where they are deployed onto a planet by
Mycetic Spores from the hive fleet. In both cases they
pave the way for the invasion by weakening the
planet's defences.
Once upon a new world, the Genestealers seek out
all forms of life, attempting to home in on species of a
highly organised nature. Genestealers at first
concentrate on infecting host victims, who go on to
breed Genestealer/host hybrids and begin a
generational cycle of new hybrids increasingly like the
host species. Over decades, the hybrids will spread
through a society and a hidden cult is established
within the host's society. All members of the
Genestealer cult are psychically linked and controlled
by the original Genestealer. The cult is totally devoted
to gaining political power within the society, often
cloaking itself in the guise of a legitimate religion,
while infecting suitable hosts, prospering and
multiplying, and hiding their true nature from the
broader society
 Tyranid Genestealer Generations

Purii (Purestrain) Genestealer Primacii (4th) Generation

A full Genestealer starts the infection cycle by
inserting their genetic material into a host victim. As
the infestation spreads and the cult grows, the first
Genestealer takes the role of a Genestealer Patriarch
and often grows larger into an obese and psychic
monstrosity
Contagii (Infection) Generation
The host victims, or Contagii, return to their own
societies and begin to have an urgent need to find a
mate and begin a family. This mate also becomes
infected with Genestealer DNA. Contagii still
physically resemble other members of their species,
though they may have a slight blue or mauve pallor to
their skin and can be psychically controlled by the
Patriach to become mindless slaves, making them the
perfect infiltrators.
The fourth generation, the Primacii, are almost
indistinguishable from their host species, only with
slight physical deformities. Some still sport give-away
signs such as being bald. They are able to blend in to
the host society and work to lure, kidnap, or do
whatever it takes to provide more hosts. Some rare
individuals of this generation have psychic powers
and become a Genestealer Magus.
Purii (5th) Generation
Paradoxically, the Genestealer's DNA reemerges in
the fifth generation, giving birth to a full Genestealer,
albeit one showing some physical characteristics of
the host species. Thus the cycle can begin anew, as
the new Genestealers have the potential to infiltrate
other worlds and become a Patriarch.

Maelignaci (1st) Generation

As the contagii mate, the Genestealer genetic
material passes onto their offspring, the Maelignaci.
The Maelignaci are animals, slow, clumsy and
moronic. Within the cult they generally regarded as
expendable shock troops. They often possess three or
even four arms, and are unable to use their host
species technology or weaponry.

Hybrid (2nd) Generation

The Hybrid offspring of the Maelignaci are born
unique with no two alike. However this generation
can be selectively bred, using their parents like live-
stock, and is often manipulated for traits such speed,
strength or aggression. They bear more resemblance
to their host species than a Genestealer, but are still
unable to use their host's technology.

True Hybrid (3rd) Generation

The next generation are True Hybrids and can be
mistaken for a member of their host species, if they
wear disguising clothes, or stay in dark areas, etc.
Some of this generation are capable of using weapons
of their host species

5
Hive Fleet Invasion
The Brood Mind of a Genestealer infestation acts
as a psychic beacon to draw in a Tyranid Hive Fleet.
When a Hive Fleet comes within a few hundred light
years of an infected world, a sublimiminal reaction is
triggered within the Brood Mind which forces the
Genestealers into a frenzy of killing and breeding,
thus collapsing the society in which they were hidden
and making way for the full Tyranid invasion.
However Genestealers are notoriously
independent from the Hive Mind and have a great
will to survive. During a planetary invasion
Genestealers wanting to survive are innately driven
onwards and outwards from the Hive Fleet by
infiltrating fleeing ships. Or, after the invasion, the
Genestealers are reabsorbed into the Hive Fleet as
pure bio-matter like all other life is. The infiltrating
Genestealers go on to infest more worlds and then in
turn lead the Hive Fleet to them. No one amongst the
Imperium knows how deep and widespread the
Genestealer infestation of the galaxy has become.
Ymgarl Genestealers
Ymgarl Genestealers are a mutated form of
Genestealers originally thought to be native to the
moons of planet Ymgarl, notable in that they are
among the first contacts mankind has ever had with
the Tyranid race.
Ymgarl Genestealers were first encountered on
the moons of Ymgarl long before the arrival of Hive
Fleet Behemoth, wherefrom they occasionally spread
on cargo barges to other worlds. They were thought to
be autochtonous to the moons until they were
encountered among the swarms and were revealed to
be a Tyranid organism from the start. Lying dormant
in hiding, they consume anything that disturbs their
hibernation. This is due to their unique ability of
being able to alter their physical characteristics via a
limited form of shapeshifting, the drawback being a
greatly quickened metabolism which forces them to
either feed almost constantly, hibernate in hiding or
starve to death. They possess feeding tentacles instead
of a maw, resembling those on the Lictor, which they
use to suck their prey dry of blood, their only source
of nourishment.
6
Unlike any other Tyranid creature, the Ymgarl
Genestealers are outcasts. The Hive Mind has no wish
to reabsorb their genetic material in fear that the
uncontrollable genetic instabilities that allow the
Ymgarl Genestealers their formidable flesh-shaping
abilities might contaminate the Tyranid gene-pool.
Instead, they are abandoned on whatever planet they
happen to be on, being forced to search for contact
with the Hive Mind on other planets after the Hive
Fleet has fed. They infiltrate the ships of any explorers
and investigators unlucky enough to land on the prey
planet after the Fleet's passing and spread in their
instinctual need of being absorbed back to the Fleets,
only to be abandoned again.
The Hive Fleet of origin of the Ymgarl
Genestealers is a mystery, as is whether they are
capable of reproduction or remnants of the original
creatures encountered on the moons of Ymgarl.
Ymgarl
Ymgarl, located somewhere in the galactic north-
west, is most notable for its moons being the supposed
origin of Genestealers, in particular the Ymgarl
Genestealer strain, before the Imperium had
knowledge of the Tyranids as a species.
The Genestealers were thought to spread off the
moons to other parts of the Galaxy by infiltrating
passing cargo ships and derelict Space Hulks. It was
not until the Battle for Macragge that Genestealers
were observed to be used as shock troops by the
Tyranids, and further investigation of the alien bodies
after the battle confirmed that all Genestealers were
part of the Tyranid race.
In response to this revelation, the Salamanders
undertook a xenocidal campaign to purge the moons
of Ymgarl and Inquisitors increased their alertness
levels for possible Genestealer infestations. However
the Ymgarl Genestealer strain was not entirely
eradicated by the Salamanders and many still lurk in
hibernation in the dark corners of the galaxy.
 Ymgarl Genestealers in the Koronus Expanse
Source Disclaimer: Everything in this section is purely fan made
material. Feel free to use or disregard it as you see fit.
Largely in Hibernation in the Calixis Sector, the
Ymgarl are considerably more active in the Koronus
Expanse. Stepping out of mere hibernation and
embarking out upon the galaxy, the Ymgarl in the
Koronus have begin to work their way into a varied
and curous niche. Some have even revealed
themselves and begun to work for various
enterprising agencies in the expanse.
Their formidable shapeshifting abilities allow
them to disguise themselves quite well among the
various Xenos races that inhabit the expanse, and
allows them the freedom to attempt to restore their
lacking genetic strain. Ymgarl inherently lack the
Brood Mind ability of Purestrain Genestealers, but it
is possible that through exposure to new genetic
material and experimentation with their shapeshifting
that their biology might be able to repair itself. In
spite of this, Ymgarl feel no call to whatever Hive
Fleet initially spawned them, and it is believed that
they are either out of reach, or simply that
uninterested in contaminating their own pools with
Ymgarl blood.
Methodology and Goals
Attempting to divine Ymgarl methodology and
goals has proven fruitless to all those who have
attempted it, as they recieve conflicting data from
many of the speciments they unearth.
Some appear to have begun indulging in
biomedical research of a kind, and are harvesting
genetic material, perhaps in an attempt to restore their
lost abilities or become something else entirely.
According to some loose lipped Inquisitorial
assets (who were shorty after never seen again), some
have begun to utilize their gift of shapeshifting to
work for the Imperium of Man, acting as infiltrators
and saboteurs, though the reasoning behind this is
unclear.
Several Deathwatch teams have reported finding
Ymgarl remains amongs the Eldar, Orks, and even
Tau troops that dot the landscape of the Expanse, only
finding them after the spilling out of ill fitting armour.
According to rumors told through Port Wander and
beyond, certain high level persons of interest have
been acting strangely as of late, and acting incredibly
out of character.
7
Some have made claims that it is clearly a Genestealer
Incursion, trying to divide the forces of the Imperium
of Man and take the Expanse for themselves and their
Hive Fleets.
Still more have made their place amongst fringe
worlds, blending in and living surprisingly mundane
lives. A recent report from a Feral World revealed that
a tribe of Raiders, upon being killed, turned into
strange shaped beings. The bodies were destroyed, so
this claim cannot be verified.
From everything that has been learned, the
methodology and drive of the Ymgarl Genestealers
that have made their way into the Koronus Expanse
seems to depend on the individual Genestealer, not
traditionally what the Tyranid scourge does, and what
they hope to find in this section of the galaxy.
Koronus Ymgarl Physiology
Ymgarl are incredibly different from Humanity or
any other Xenos race. They are still occasionally
afflicted by bouts of hunger while utilizing their
shapeshifting, and need to feed to survive. Ymgarl
require the blood of other organisms to survive, a
curious need, and one not without problems for the
Ymgarl attempting to blend into society. A crafty
Ymgarl might be able to find non-violent ways of
obtaining the blood needed.
With their limited shapeshifting ability, a Ymgarl
can blend in with the local populace or create a variety
of improvised defensive weaponry and armor. As they
practice and become more adept at shifting, they begin
to recover a myriad of different Tyranid abilities, some
from other strains of Tyranid entirely.
Ymgarl retain the chitinous protection that other
Tyranids do, granting them resistance to physical
attacks. They can utilize their shapeshifting ability to
hide these.
Ymgarl possess feeding tentacles instead of a
maw, granting them the ability to snare prey to feed.
They can utilize their shapeshifting ability to hide
these.
While they no longer have their connection to the
Hive Mind, the absence of that mysterious connection
has left a void in the mind of the Ymgarl. This void
grants some of the same beneficial resistances that
regular Tyranids have due to the missing neural links.
 Other Tyranid Bioforms
Source Disclaimer: All lore in this section is taken from the
Deathwatch RPG, primarily the Core Rulebook and Mark of the
Xenos.
There is a cancer eating at the Imperium. With each
decade, it advances deeper, leaving drained, dead
worlds in its wake. This horror, this abomination, has
thought and purpose which functions on an
unimaginable, galactic scale, and all we can do is try
to stop the swarms of bio-engineered monsters it
unleashes upon us by instinct. We have given the
horror a name to salve our fears; we call it the
Tyranid race, but if it is aware of us at all it must
know us only as Prey.
Inquisitor Czevak at the Conclave of Har
The Tyranid threat is a menace unlike any other
faced by the Imperium, massive in scale and wholly
alien in its nature and need to devour, not just
mankind, but all life in the galaxy. The Tyranids are a
vast swarm of predatory beasts driven and controlled
by a single Hive Mind: one flesh, one will, and one
biology, all designed to consume and absorb biomass
on a monumental scale and focused solely on
satiating a hunger without end. From the cold depths
of intergalactic space they have comethe tendrils of
the Great Devoureran all destroying swarm
composed of billions of organisms, each one the agent
of a great and immortal intelligence. They have left
nothing but dead husks of former life-bearing worlds
in their wake, and if the Imperium cannot stop them,
all hope is lost.
Named for the doomed Explorator outpost on
Tyran which fell before the onslaught of what would
come to be named Hive Fleet Behemoth in 745.M41,
the Tyranid threat has since ravaged hundreds if not
thousands of star systems, principally in the
Segmentum Ultima, like a vast and monstrous set of
jaws biting down on the galactic plain, although no
corner of the wide Imperium has so far proved
beyond the reach of the fragmented tendrils of the
onrushing nightmare tide. Indeed, the Genestealer,
long an insidious threat that has troubled Mankind for
millennia appears now to be a harbinger of the
Tyranids, and the dim secrets of the ancient past hint
at past threats, but never so widespread or potentially
catastrophic as at present.
8
In battle, the Tyranids are a horror beyond
comprehension, a monstrous tide of merciless claw,
venom, and fang that cannot be bargained with,
reasoned with, or surrendered to. It strikes with the
relentless fury of a rabid beast, yet it is driven by a
cold and alien intelligence that makes every
component of the swarmfrom lowly flesh-boring
parasites to gargantuan war-creatures the size of a
Battle Titanfar more dangerous than any mere
animal could ever be. Carried through the void on
immense living bioships, the seemingly numberless
and inexhaustible hive fleets are attracted to worlds
rich with life like a great ocean predator may be drawn
to blood in the water. They descend upon their prey-
world, raining down poisonous spores that taint and
pollute the atmosphere and unleashing murderous
hunting creatures to slaughter any animal life that
might pose a threat to consumption. Depending on the
particular fleets resources and size, other adaptive and
mutating war-beasts and biologically created leader-
creatures will also be unleashed to wage an
unrelenting war of extermination on the world, a war
that will only end in one of two ways: the defeat and
purging of the Tyranid assault by the defenders, or the
complete consumption and reduction of all living
matter by the Hive Fleet, a dead world left in its wake.
Carnifex
Carnifexes are giant creatures that can be found at
the forefront of Tyranid assaults. These multi-ton
monsters act like living battering rams that can smash
through almost any obstacle whether it be a platoon of
men, enemy tanks or a fortified position. They are
specially evolved for use in shock assaults, spaceship
boarding actions and massed battles where they can
put their overwhelming strength and preternatural
toughness to best effect. A Carnifex is a living engine
of destruction and the attack of just one of these
creatures is a terrifying thing to behold, a primeval
force of nature unleashed in a killing frenzy.
Carnifexes have been encountered in every major
encounter with Tyranids since the arrival of Hive Fleet
Behemoth, most notably at the Battle of Macragge
where large numbers of them were killed during the
siege of the polar fortresses. These, the first
Carnifexes to be seen by Imperial forces, became
known as Screamer Killers because of the high-
pitched scream they made as they charged into
combat.
 The Screamer Killer had four great sickle-shaped ground pressure footprint that can exceed the load
claws of diamond-hard chitin, bone and cartilage. The bearing strength of bridges and gantries or break
combined assault of these mighty scythes driven by through ice unexpectedly. Knocking one down is best
the creatures huge muscle mass was powerful enough achieved with an armoured vehicle but getting one
to rip through even armourplas and ceramite with into close proximity with any Carnifex is a
ease. The source of their high-pitched screaming was dangerousproposition.
found to be rasping plates in their esophagus that Most Carnifex kills registered come from high
were used to energize a form of bio-plasma in their energy attackslascannon, plasma and melta weapon
gut. This bio-plasma vomit made a dangerous short strikes to critical locations. Carnifexes can shrug off
range flamer-like weapon. In some instances other small arms fire and even bolt gun hits with
Screamer Killers were reported using an electrical minimal loss of function...
field around their claws to build up an incandescent Some great heroes have successfully pitted their
bio-plasma ball before launching it at a target over speed and agility against a Carnifex to overcome it in
longer ranges. The Screamer Killer had a massive close combat, but any more have died trying.
body that was found to be extremely tough. It was
also covered with a thick, chitinous hide that
protected it from damage
The Screamer Killer is now believed to be just
one extreme mutation of the Tyranid warrior genus
Tyranicus Tyranicii with a massively enlarged
exoskeleton and musculature. It is accounted as a
stable enough mutation to be given its own
classification of Carnifex Primus. An ever-widening
variety of sub-classifications of Carnifexes developed
over the first Tyrannic war and subsequent attacks by
Hive Fleet Kraken and Hive Fleet Leviathan. Over
time it has been discovered that each Hive Fleet,
perhaps even each hive ship, has its own variants on
the basic Carnifex.
As with so many of the more extreme warrior
mutations, Carnifexes lose much of the synaptic
reception of the Hive Mind native to Tyranid Warriors
and revert to a more animalistic intelligence level. It
should be noted, however, that when this is mated to
their ferocious capacity for violence, even a solitary
Carnifex should not be underestimated. Many reports
exist of lone Carnifexes that turn the tables on their
would-be hunters and terrorize outlying colonies.
All Carnifex species seem well able to adapt to
extremes of environment from arctic cold to desert
heat. Their tremendous strength allows them to
plough through swamps and jungles without
hindrance and their endurance seems, to all intents
and purposes, inexhaustible. If Carnifexes
demonstrate one vulnerability, it is possibly that their
bipedal nature and great weight give them a high

9
Gargoyle vents, exhausts and exposed gears, fouling machinery
Flying at the head of the swarm, Gargoyles are and weapons with their bodies. In this way Gargoyles
often the first sign of the onrushing wave of Tyranids, are very difficult to defend against or trap in a
as they blot out the sun and choke the sky with their bottleneck, as their ability to fly allows them to come
leathery wings and infernal screeching. Not dissimilar at their foes from all angles and exploit any opening
in appearance to a Termagant, albeit with the addition they can find. A Gargoyle which becomes trapped in
of wings, a Gargoyle is individually weak, and relies an enclosed space (as sometime happens when they
as much on its speed and ranged weapons as it does force their way through openings) is deadly indeed as
tooth and claw. However, in great numbers (as it goes into a frenzy to escape, fighting as only a
Gargoyles are almost always encountered) they can cornered beast can.
make as fearsome a foe as any Tyranid. The primary
goal of Gargoyles, in their role as part of the Tyranid
vanguard, is, it seems, to sow confusion. They
achieve this by peppering foes with their fleshborers
and then darting away before retaliatory fire can find
them, always staying out of arms reach and using
their speed to move from target to target before they
can be outmatched.
This command of the air and their agility makes
Gargoyles a particularly fearsome foe to fight,
especially as they often descend on enemies from
hundreds of metres, swooping down to strike lethal
blows. This forces foes to constantly scan the skies
and be alert for any shadow or flicking form that
could be the first sign of a descending Gargoyle
brood. Gargoyles are also a menace for aircraft and
can make air travel across a Tyranid-contested world
extremely dangerous, as they hunt ceaselessly for
prey, often supported by other, more massive Tyranid
bio-forms such as Harpies and Harridans. Fast and
manoeuvrable, it is not unheard of for Gargoyles to
ambush craft many times their own size, latching onto
the hulls in large numbers and chewing through
power cables, couplings and other vital components
to bring them down in flames.
Dangerous when beyond the range of Tyranid
synapse creatures, they become even more so when
driven forward by the implacable will of the Hive
Mind, pouring down from the sky upon their foes like
clawed rain, forcing their way through small openings
and blanketing sensors and observation towers with
their bat-like wings. Under the direction of the Hive
Mind, Gargoyles will even throw themselves into

10
Hive Tyrant

And I looked upon the great hive beast, and knew that
hope was lost.
Attributed to Hector Prime, Commander of the Tower of
Adamant, Hethgard, executed for cowardice

The Master of the battle-swarm, the Hive Tyrant

is a massively built and powerful creature which
serves in some part as a leader of the Tyranid attack
on the ground. Akin in power to a living tank, able to
rip through armour plate like wet paper and wreak
indiscriminate slaughter, they are also incredibly fast
and lithe. Some may even possess wings and extreme
biomorphic mutations, often taking the place of
unwholesome weapons which may burn or strangle
their victims at range. Each is also a powerful psychic
node for the greater Tyranid Hive Mind, not merely
providing the swarm with a strategic focus and
overriding purpose, but also harnessing the Hive
Minds raw power offensively to drive fragile human
minds insane with fear and burn out the brains of
enemy psykers who would match their paltry powers
against it.

Hormagaunt
We cannot live through this. Mankind cannot live through
this. In a single day they have covered this planet with a
flood of living blades and needle-fanged mouths. Kill one,
and ten take its place. If they are truly without number,
then our race is doomed to a violent death before every
shred of our civilization is scoured away by a force more
voracious than the fires of hell themselves. Death! By the
Machine God, Death is here!
Magos Varnak, last words

A seemingly stable bio-mutation of the Gaunt

genus of Tyranid war-beast, the Hormagaunt is a
biological machine, a living weapon designed and
bred with but a single purpose in mind: to close with a
living enemy as rapidly as possible and eviscerate it
with its long-bladed talons and do so again, and again,
and again without remorse or relent until nothing
living opposes it. Unleashed in huge, restless swarms
made up of close packed ranks of rippling claws and
hard-edged chitinous plates, Hormagaunts move
across the ground like lighting quick shoals of deadly
fish. Drawn to the scent of blood, they close in for
the kill, leaping, screaming, and scuttling. They
leave nothing alive in their wake.

11
 Lictor
It was like the shadows just came alive and took him,
right from under our noses. One moment he was there, the
next he was gone... and none of us saw an Emperor-
damned thing.
Sergeant Morvik, 351st Castobel Rifle Brigade
Lictors are the lone hunters of the Tyranid swarm,
roving ahead of the hive fleet, seeking out prey and
leading the Hive Mind to concentrations of enemies.
As tall as a Tyranid Warrior, Lictors are distinct in
appearance from other Tyranid creatures in a number
of ways, such as a pair of long mantislike claws
extending over the creatures shoulders which it can
use for climbing and impaling its prey; long, drooping
feeder tendrils that hang from its maw and greatly
increase its senses, and shimmering chameleonic
scales which allow it to hide with ease. A natural
predator, the Lictor is patient and stealthy and can
move past even the most alert foes, or spend days
hiding immobile, waiting for a chance to strike once
its preys guard is down. This behaviour has given the
Lictor an almost mythical reputation amongst its foes,
as a ghost-like horror which can strike at any time and
place, before vanishing into thin air just as easily.
A Lictors primary purpose is to lead the Tyranid
swarm to fresh prey and seek out large groups of foes
that might be hiding or fleeing before the swarm. In
this role, they move silently and almost completely
invisibly across all kind of terrain, using their
enhanced senses to find their foes. When they locate
prey, they will move in and begin to stalk it, avoiding
12
open conflict or situations where it might be
outnumbered or outmatched and instead choosing to
pick off its targets one by one. During the course of
these attacks, the Lictor will be exuding a pheromone
trail which other Tyranid creatures can then follow to
the location of this fresh prey.
The Lictor also gathers information for the Hive
Mind. Part of the creatures unique genus means that it
is capable of literally devouring a victims memories
by eating their brain, learning more from them in a
single bloody meal than hours of brutal interrogation
might yield.
Fighting Lictors is very difficult, as first a solider
needs to find one. Even then, bringing one to battle
can be difficult as they strike and kill a handful of men
before vanishing, sometimes right before the eyes of
their enemies, and leave no trail to follow. Lictors are
usually only brought down by quick thinking heavy
weapons teams or powerful Imperial heroes, such as
well-armed Space Marines, which have the strength
and nerve to slay the beast before it can melt away
into the terrain. Another less reliable method of
destroying Lictors, and one favoured by many
Imperial Guard commanders, is the recon by fire
method. Once even the slightest evidence of a Lictor
is detected, they will isolate the area they believe it to
be lurking in (sometime kilometres across) and carpet
bomb it into ash and dust. While this only rarely
works (Lictors being cunning enough to either slip
away or hide where you least expect them) it does
raise morale among the local soldiers, at least until the
Lictor strikes again...
Ravener Perhaps the most disconcerting aspect of the
serpentine Raveners is their ability to appear in almost
The thing I learnt was to trust nothing; not the air, not any location and usually where their foes least expect
the water, not the ground beneath your feet. Make no them. By burrowing through even some of the hardest
assumptions, and you might live to tell someone else. substances, they can worm their way into heavily
Advice to fresh troops on fighting the Tyranids, given by fortified structures, squeezing through opening much
Sergeant Gorth of the Volg 3rd Mercy Bringers smaller than themselves and slinking off to hide in
dark places to await the time to strike. This known
Raveners are horrific predators that burrow tactic of the Ravener often prompts Imperial
through the earth with frightening speed and commanders to send their men on patrol looking for
precision. They are twisted, serpentine creatures Ravener nid holes which might be hidden in
whose armoured bodies are several times the size of a subterranean tunnels or deep cellars. Needless to say,
grown mans, and yet they move with a lightninglike should an Imperial Guard patrol find such a nid
speed that can see their victims slashed apart into hole, more often than not it is their dying screams
bloody chunks, having never seen their assailant. which alert their comrades.
Vulnerable only to massed firepower and heavy
weapons, the Raveners prey stands little chance if
caught alone or off guard, as they often exploit their
ability to burrow through almost any substance to
surprise their victims, sensing their way by vibrations
as faint as a beating heart, through many metres of
intervening material. Often Raveners strike deep
behind a battle line or in strongholds thought
impregnable to outside assault, and worse yet for
those that must face them; Raveners rarely hunt
alone, but are instead often encountered in broods of
half a dozen or more creatures. In several recorded
cases, when such a brood breaks in to a shelter or
underground bunker, they have inflicted utter carnage
in minutes, ending the lives of hundreds in a few
scant moments of screaming, blood-soaked fury.
While Raveners do appear similar in size and
basic design to Tyranid Warriors, with the major
exception being their serpentine tail rather than legs,
they are in fact very different beasts and bred for a
very different purpose. Possessed of little more than
animal intelligence, unless directed by the Hive Mind
they will willfully chase fleeing prey or become
distracted by fast moving targets disregarding all
other concerns. The role of a hunting beast however is
one they excel at, and they possess extraordinary
senses for tracking foes, able to feel the slightest
tremor made by passing footfalls even kilometres
away and see into dozens of light spectrums, even
following the pulsing waves of a vox transmission to
its source. This makes it very hard to hide from a
Ravener, and it is especially dangerous if
being directed by the Hive Mind and its senses
used to guide the bulk of the swarm toward
the location of its prey.

13
Ripper Swarm Rippers are energetic and fearless organisms, quite
capable of pulling down creatures many times their
One of the most terrifying aspects of a Tyranid own size, from a rampaging Grox to an armed man.
hive fleet is the speed and scale of its operations in Huge swarms of Rippers are often seen on the
stripping a planet. Even while the Tyranids are battlefield, advancing behind Tyranid assault forces.
overrunning a worlds defences, they are in the These gorge themselves on the fallen, tearing apart the
process of rapidly assimilating the genetic imprint wounded and cannibalising the dead. It might appear
and biomass of every living thing on the planet. that an armoured Space Marine would be safe from
Eventually, once all resistance has been eliminated the attacks of individual Rippers, but en masse they
and everything consumed, the world will be stripped can immobilise and drag down even the strongest
down to its bedrock, as all of its moisture, atmosphere Battle-Brother.
and nutrients are absorbed by the hive ships. By the In certain instances, hive ships have been driven
time the hive fleet moves on, nothing but a lifeless away from a world, leaving Tyranid ground forces
ball of rock will be left in their wake. isolated. Rippers appear to respond to such
In the initial phases, billions of voracious Tyranid circumstances by burrowing below ground and
organisms are released all over the planet. Vast waves metamorphosing into higher life forms. This has led
of these creatures move across the surface of the many among the Magos Biologis to believe that
world, constantly multiplying and consuming Rippers are an immature form of the prime Tyrancii
everything in their path. The empty deserts left behind genus. This would mean they are theoretically capable
are devoid of even the bones of their former of gestating into any kind of Tyranid creature with the
inhabitants, thanks to the relentless efforts of the right impetus from the Hive Mind, from Hive Tyrants
ravenous hordes. to Hormagaunts. The wonder that Tyranids routinely
Eventually these organisms will be reabsorbed by produce and sacrifice their young so prodigiously
the Hive Mind and in some cases evolved to perform serves only to reinforce how inhuman they truly are.
higher functions depending on the genetic material
they have absorbed. The majority become biomass to
be rendered down to their base cells and reshaped by
the Norn Queens to fulfill the hive fleets needs.
Tyranid-held worlds have been reported to feature
digestion pools at the base of impossibly tall
capillary towers that project beyond the atmosphere.
Endless streams of Tyranid creatures have been seen
sacrificing themselves in the searing acids of the
pools so that their biomass can be sucked up in to the
hive ships orbiting high above.
These small harvesting organisms are extremely
varied but the most numerous are those known to
Adepts as the Tyranicus Omniphagea, more
commonly known to Imperial forces as Rippers.
Rippers have serpentine bodies, around half a metre
long, that terminate in a broad head above a set of
vestigial gripping claws. The head is split by a wide
maw filled with rows of exceedingly sharp ripping
hooks and razor-edged boney ridges. The Rippers
powerful jaws can bite through flesh and bone with
alarming ease, and they have been known to gnaw
their way through plasteel to reach food.

14
Termagant
As I looked into its dead black eyes, I saw the
terrible sentience it had in place of a soul. And
looking back from the deepest recesses of the aliens
mind, I perceived what I can describe only as an
immortal hunger.
Ultramarines Chief Librarian Tigurius
The Termagant is one of the basic warrior units of
the Tyranid Swarm, and one of the most commonly
encountered creatures on the battlefield. They are
bred and unleashed in their thousands by the hive
fleets in great waves to blunt the fire of their enemies
and overwhelm them in an unstoppable tide of flesh
and fang. Man-sized, but low and hunched in
appearance, they are agile, fast, and extremely deadly.
Termagants are usually armed with a variety of
symbiotic weapon-creatures of various forms, as well
as needle-teeth and ripping claws with which to rend
and devour their prey.
15
Trygon
Hey! Did you feel the ground shake just now?
Guardsman Prall at the Battle of Table Mountain
The largest Tyranid creatures can become hard to
accurately categorise as they increasingly appear as
strange aggregations of symbiotes and parasites on a
colossal scale. This is not the case with the Tyranid
Trygon however, a distinct genus of vast serpentine
creatures that tower above even the mighty Carnifex.
Adepts have postulated a link between the Trygon and
the smaller but equally ophidian Ravener, but it
remains unclear whether Trygons are massively
mutated Raveners or Raveners are underdeveloped,
perhaps even immature, Trygons. Certainly adult
Trygons can reach truly monstrous proportions, with
examples of up to thirty metres in length on record,
although twelve to fifteen metres is more common.
Trygons are extremely heavily armoured by a coat
of overlapping scales that covers them from jaws to
tail. In addition to offering excellent protection, these
specialised scales form an essential part of the
Trygons natural weaponry. The thick armour plates
include high concentrations of silicates and as the
Trygon moves they become agitated, generating a
powerful biostatic charge that is captured by
subdermal platelet stacks. The Trygon directs this
energy by exhaling an ionised spray from its gills, to
prompt a deadly, high-voltage discharge.
Trygons have two sets of diamond-hard scything
talons folded beneath their hood-like carapace that
they use with lethal effect in close combat. Driven by
a Trygons size and strength, these wicked blades can
easily impale an armoured vehicle or cut an armoured
man in two. However, the primary purpose of the
Trygons claws is to allow it to burrow though
practically any material at a terrifying rate. These
creatures have shown themselves capable of detecting
an enemy from below and seem to have a singular
fondness for bursting out of the ground beneath them
with shocking suddenness. Tanks and troops surprised
in this way seldom have a chance to reply to the
barrage of sweeping claw strikes and biostatic
lightning unleashed upon them.
 Seismic detectors have been used with some Unfortunately, a mutation now dubbed the Trygon
success to provide early warning of a Trygons Prime has been confirmed, that appears to have the
approach. Unfortunately, on many worlds, natural relevant synapse development to make it a conduit for
seismic activity can mask a Trygons motion and in the influence of the Hive Mind. A Trygon Prime can
some instances Tyranid swarm activity seems to have be easily spotted by their elongated jaws and the
been deliberately coordinated to cover the approach containment spines running the length of their bodies.
of burrowing Trygons. Trygons have forced tunnels These are extended platelet stacks that enable the
through just about every material known to man, Trygon Prime to store up even greater charges of bio-
although they are considerably slowed by electricity. A Trygon Prime is swathed in sheets of
adamantium plating. lightning whenever it moves, and when it opens its
It appears that Trygons use their bio-static charge jaws, searing arcs of energy leap forth that leave only
to assist with tunnelling, as their tunnels have been charred corpses in their wake. The strong synaptic link
found coated with a fused, glass-like silicate layer on a Trygon Prime shares with the Hive Mind allows it to
the inside. This effect stabilises the tunnel walls and dominate lesser Tyranid creatures, including other
prevents them from collapsing behind a burrowing Trygons, and it will rarely be found without an
Trygon. Other Tyranid organisms will take advantage attendant horde of Termagants and Hormagaunts.
of these tunnels to move around unseen and follow up
on Trygon attacks. The emergence of a burrowing
Trygon is often just the harbinger of a tidal wave of
nightmarish horrors.
Commanders have found static defences become
virtually useless once Trygons are operating in the
area, unless tunnel torpedoes or mole mortars can be
brought to bear to keep them at bay. Over an extended
period, Tyrgons are capable of excavating a network
of underground tunnels covering a huge area, which
makes it difficult to wipe out Tyranid forces even
with saturation bombardment. Clearing out Trygon
sub-surface tunnel networks is dangerous work even
for a Deathwatch Killteam and is a duty given only to
the most experienced and well-equipped Battle-
Brothers.
Trygons have also been known to dig deadfall
traps by leaving a thin crust over a deep conical hole.
Sufficient weight in troops and armour will collapse
the roof of the sinkhole and deposit the victims into
the Trygons waiting claws. A Trygons greatest
weakness is probably that it can be baited or
misdirected while burrowing by the first tasty morsel
to cross its path. Under the direction of the Hive
Mind, a Trygon becomes even more dangerous, as it
will tunnel deep into the heart of the defences before
bursting forth.

16
Tyranid Warrior
Every one of the myriad of Tyranid warrior-
creatures is a killing machine, perfectly adapted to
slaughter its victims. They are the ultimate predators,
and we are their prey.
from the reflections of an unknown Adept
The Tyranid Warrior is death incarnate; a
biological engine designed for murder, in every aspect
of strength, size, and resilience it is literally
superhuman. They are also incredible fighters, each
more than equal to a Space Marine in combat power,
be it with their great scythe-like talons of augmented
bone (sharp enough to bisect an armoured Man in a
single stroke) or the nightmarish living weapons they
carry that spit flesh-boring parasites for ammunition
and consign their victims to a death too vile to
contemplate. Tyranid Warriors also act as vital
psychic resonators for the Tyranid swarm, receiving,
amplifying, and transmitting the Hive Minds
controlling will and purpose to the lesser creatures
around them.
17
Tyranid Warrior Prime
Dont be fooled by its appearance, this is no simple
soldier of the Hive Mind. Note the way it moves, the
colours on its chitin and the subtle deference those
around it exhibit, like an alpha male leading a pack of
wolves.
Scout Sergeant Veraz, Storm Wardens
The leadership cast of the Tyranids is often
difficult for Imperial commanders to identify, and
there is often the mistaken assumption that larger
Tyranid creatures are more important; a mistake that
has cost more than one officer his rank and countless
men their lives. This is especially true of Tyranid
Warrior Primes, an evolution of the Tyranid Warrior
genus with elevated intelligence and a stronger link to
the Hive Mind. It has in fact only been in recent times
that the Primes have been identified and reported
among the ranks of the hive fleets, though as many
scholars and magos are quick to point out, this is less
likely to be because they are a recent evolution and
more likely because they blend in with the rest of a
Tyranid Warrior brood. Primes are also being
encountered in greater and greater numbers within
Hive Fleet Dagon, perhaps as a direct response to the
constantly evolving tactics of Imperial forces and the
hive fleets need to deal with the elevated Deathwatch
presence in the Orpheus Salient after several costly
encounters.
In function, Tyranid Warrior Primes take on the
role of commanders and captains within the swarm.
Much in the same way as a Hive Tyrant might lead a
host of Tyranids, a Prime will oversee a smaller
section of the battlefield or direct a smaller strike
force of warriors. When close to a more powerful
synapse creature they will defer their control, acting as
lieutenants and sergeants, often personally leading
broods. However, should they find themselves alone,
they can easily bind together those Tyranid creatures
nearby into an effective fighting force and carry on
with little trouble. In this way, a Tyranid Warrior
Prime is just as capable of directing a swarm as a Hive
Tyrant and many an Imperial officer has suffered as a
result of underestimating their ability to project the
Hive Mind and lead lesser Tyranid creatures.
 Tyranid Warriors Primes have also earned a
fearsome reputation as resourceful and cunning
tacticians, directing nearby Tyranid creatures through
the Hive Mind to take advantage of terrain, enemy
movements and other prevailing battlefield
conditions. It is often the failing of the Imperium (and
even some xenos races such as the Tau and the Eldar)
that the Tyranids are seen as mindless animals, driven
forward by the will of the Hive Mind with no thought
to tactics or strategy. The truth is of course that
creatures like the Tyranid Warrior Prime and the Hive
Tyrant are just as capable as any other commander,
perhaps more so as they have unshakable faith in their
troops and are fearless in battle, making them almost
the perfect battlefield leaders.
18
Tyrant Guard
Emperors blood...its still alive! Hit it with another
round from the battle cannon before... its coming
right for us! Hit it again! HIT IT AGAIN!
Last words of Captain Fulher, 12th Ascandian
Armoured
Tyrant Guard exist for a single purpose and a
single purpose alone, the defence of the Hive Tyrant
they are charged with protecting. In this capacity they
excel like no other kind of bodyguard in the galaxy.
Their armoured hides and thick muscles are almost
impervious to small arms and highly resistant to even
the heaviest weapons which means they can soak up
an appalling amount of damage before they are
destroyed. Though similar in size to a Tyranid Warrior,
a Tyrant Guard has more of the appearance of a hound
or boar, loping alongside the Hive Tyrant on four
limbs, their massively armoured heads close to the
ground and alert for danger to their master. When they
detect a threat to the Hive Tyrant, they immediately
move to block lines of sight and throw themselves in
front of bolts, blasts and missiles. When in close
combat, they swarm around their Hive Tyrant, keeping
the bulk of its foes away so it may deal with them
more easily.
Never encountered without the presence of a Hive
Tyrant, and never straying far from its side in battle,
Tyrant Guard are nevertheless vicious opponents in
their own right, tearing at their foes with large, bladed
talons and gnashing teeth, with an animalistic fury
notable even in the midst of a Tyranid swarm. They do
however always remain close to their Hive Tyrant, like
loyal dogs running at their masters feet and unlike
more independent Tyranid creatures, they cannot be
tempted or lured into pursuit, remaining steadfastly in
the Hive Tyrants shadow regardless of the presence of
nearby foes. Some scholars speculate that the Tyrant
Guard, not encountered in the early stages of the hive
fleets, were an evolution to combat the tactics of
Imperial forces which quickly found that destroying
Hive Tyrants with heavy weapons fire was a good way
to break up a swarm. Like so many Tyranid creatures,
however, this is merely speculation, as Tyrant Guard
have only been observed on the battlefield, and most
specimens recovered are extensively damaged by the
efforts of destroying them.
What has been established by Imperial scholars
and tacticians is that the Tyrant Guard are among the
dimmest of the Tyranid creatures, on a par with many
of the smaller gaunt genus creatures in their intellect.
This seems to be a deliberate evolution of the Hive
Mind in creating a lumbering, heavily defended and
utterly loyal bodyguard with no sense of personal
19
safety, only the continued survival of its master. To
this end, Tyrant Guard are blind, their heads encased
entirely in rock-hard chitin, save for a razor-lined maw
with which to bite and savage their prey. This is
doubtless a further protection against damage, as the
presence of eyes would only create a weak spot which
their foes could exploit. Despite this seeming
disability, Tyrant Guard seem to have little trouble
detecting enemies, and appear to have a kind of sense
link with their Hive Tyrant, seeing what it sees and
reacting to danger instinctively as it becomes aware of
its foes.
Venomthrope A Venomthropes feeding instincts means that it
can operate quite effectively even while beyond the
More than a minute in that cloud and youll be range of the Hive Mind, drifting into formations of
bleeding out of your eyes, ears and mouth, praying troops and spreading its deadly toxins or lashing out at
for the pain to stop. exposed warriors. In battle, Venomthropes are
Captain Ascote, pointing out a Venomthrope to his therefore often found on the flanks of the swarm, or
men at the Battle of Twelve Bridges exploiting gaps to get at rear-echelon troops where
their toxic presence can cause as much havoc as
Many Tyranid creatures carry toxins on their possible and they can force troops to abandon
claws and fangs, but none more so that the defensive positions lest they become caught up in its
Venomthrope; a veritable factory of poisons, its slowly spreading mist of death. As a general rule, the
tendrils drip with vile substances and it is constantly only sure way to deal with such an attack is a quick
surrounded by a cloud of lethal vapours. Held aloft by response from heavy weapons and a sustained blast of
numerous gas-filled bladders (also the source of the fire to tear the creature apart before it can get to close,
toxic cloud that fills the air around it) it moves along even then it still leaves a toxic corpse which can be
by using its tentacle-like hooked tendrils to drag itself almost as deadly as the creature was in life.
across any surface. These same tendrils are also used
to snare enemies and drag them into its poison cloud,
where it holds them fast until their feeble struggles
cease and it can devour them at its leisure. Not as
powerful a combatant as a Tyranid Warrior or
Ravener, the Venomthrope relies mostly on its
poisons to do its work, expecting only mild resistant
from its prey once it gets close enough to envelope
them with its cloud or touch them with its deadly
tendrils.
Venomthropes are not just toxic to non-Tyranid
life forms, but also to any environment they enter.
Over time their miasma of toxic spores infects the
very ground and air of a world, rendering it hostile to
even its own indigenous species. The Hive Mind uses
this aspect of the Venomthrope by gathering them
together in large numbers and unleashing them on a
region to gradually poison it, making it harder for
non-Tyranid life forms to continue the fight.
Venomthropes can be especially deadly in enclosed
areas or underground, where their toxins can fill
ventilation systems and foul airscrubbers, making the
corridors and chambers of a fortress or void ship
deadly to its garrison or crew. In efforts to combat
these tactics, the Adeptus Mechanicus has tried
repeatedly to study the Venonthrope and develop
either more sure methods of protecting troops against
its venoms or to discover an antidote to them. So far
no successes have had any large or lasting effects on
the Imperiums efforts against the Tyranid swarms,
and as soon as a new method or antidote is
found to counter the Venomthrope, it seems
the creature quickly adapts and overcomes it.

20
Zoanthrope In addition to their ability to hurl terrible bolts of
warp energy at their foes, Zoanthropes are also very
Cant you feel it? Its like a claw crushing my mind difficult to destroy, especially considering how weak
in its grasp, squeezing my brain between its talons. I and feeble their bodies appear. This resilience stems
can feel it scratching behind my eyes, tearing at my from their ability to create a powerful warp bubble
sanity... Emperor save us! around themselves, shielding them from all kind of
Sanctioned Psyker Euos Dax, Castobel Regional weapons and even turning aside blows in close
Command combat. Like their ability to drift above the ground,
the shield seems a constant part of the Zoanthrope and
Zoanthropes are amongst the strangest and most is always present as long as the creature lives. It has
bizarre of all Tyranid creatures. Their feeble atrophied been noted that the shield seems to strengthen or
bodies hang limp and seemingly lifeless beneath their coalesce around particularly powerful attacks, flashing
massive craniums, far too large for their weak limbs bright for an instant to turn aside the blow before
to support. Only their immense psychic power allows fading back to a uniform shimmer.
them to move at all, drifting across the battlefield on a
cushion of psychic energy. This vast store of energy
and their ability to focus it is also what makes them
such terrible foes, for a Zoanthrope is capable of
conjuring up earth-shattering bolts of warp energy
with the strength to smash apart even the most
heavily armoured troops or vehicles. In this role, the
swarm uses Zoanthropes as psychic cannons, blasting
apart strong points and tanks with equal ease or
raining warp fire down upon the heads of massed
foes, slaying dozens of warriors in a single, blinding
flash of power.
There is an unknown and alien intelligence which
lurks within the chitin cranium of the Zoanthrope, its
actions seemingly governed by both the Hive Mind
and some inner psychic instincts to seek out particular
enemies and use its powers in certain ways. Despite
their power, however, Zoanthropes sometimes seem
to be victims of their own massive energy reserves
and there have been numerous afteraction reports of
Zoanthropes burning out in battle. After hurling
numerous bolts or sustaining their shield for an
extended period, their craniums have been observed
to burst and bleed out, sending them crashing limply
to the ground. Psykers who have witnessed these
events liken it to the perils of the warp which normal
psykers can suffer when psychic energy overloads
their minds.

21
 Chapter 2: Ymgarl Genestealer Characters
Source Disclaimer: This section makes reference to fan and 2. The player then generates the characteristics
official lore. Make sure to discuss with your GM the particulars that define their Explorer's personal attributes utilizing
of the Ymgarl in your game and what lore will be used.
the base statistic values presented here and one of the
methods detailed in the Rogue Trader Core Rulebook.
Ygmarl Genestealers are incredibly difficult
difficult characters to play, and as such are 3. Finally, the player gains the starting skills,
recommended only for advanced players. talents, traits, and gear listed and spends the 500
The mentality of the Ygmarl Genestealer varys for starting XP that all characters get, a process which is
each individual. Their isolation from the hive mind described on page 30 of the Rogue Trader Core
has permitted something almost completley unseen: Rulebook.
independent identity in Tyranids. Some are motivated
by the desire to restore their damaged genetics and
become more robust examples of Tyranid life. Some
have begun to embrace the lifestyle of the explorer
that the Koronus Expanse offers, and many have
signed on with Rogue Traders, though not all have
revealed themselves to their employers. Still more
have become raiders, taking what they need. A select
few have decided to embark upon a quest to restore
their ability to form a Brood Mind, and attempt to re-
connect with their original Hive Mind, whichever one
it might be.
It is important to decide what motivates the
Ymgarl Explorer, and whether it will mesh well with
the group. Always consider the rest of the party, and
ensure that the Ymgarl will fit in at least decently
well with the concept decided upon.
Which Hive Fleet they are originally from could
also be a driving force of their story. One advantage
to the Ymgarl subset of Genestealers is that they are
not limited purely to the planet Ymgarl. Their genetic
mutation is a more common one than the Imperium is
aware, and can be explained as coming from any Hive
Fleet. As such any existing Hive Fleet, or any that the
GM may have placed in or around the Koronus
Expanse could have been their progenitors.

Creating Ymgarl Genestealer Explorers

The rules included in this supplement allow the
players to create their own Ymgarl Explorers and
replace the usual rules for character creation in the
Rogue Trader Core Rulebook. A player can create a
Ymgarl Genestealer Explorer using the following
instructions.

1. When building a Ymgarl Explorer, a player first

selects a Genetic Legacy. These Legacies
represent remnants of genetic abilities that
provide some benefits to the Explorer.

22
 Genetic Legacy
Ymgarl Genestealers have unfortunately suffered
a large amount of genetic degredation, the primary
reason why they are no longer wanted by their
original Hive Fleets. The remnants of undamaged
DNA are still present within their systems, and the
Ymgarl are still able to utilize some of them. Begin
the character creation process by selecting one of the
following Genetic Legacies to represent the remnants
of Tyrannic Genomes in their systems. In addition to
the bonus to on attribute, the Ymgarl also gains one
skill based on that attribute as Trained at rank 1. This
skill increases to Trained +10 at rank 3, Trained +20
at rank 5, and the Talented (Skill Chosen) Talent at
rank 7.
Adaptable Infiltration
This Tyranid has learned the art of infiltration via
disguise and subterfuge. This legacy grants the
Tyranid +5 to Fellowship.
Calculating Mind
Gifted with a more analytical mind than most of
the swarm, this Tyrannic legacy grants a +5 bonus to
Intelligence.
23
Frontline Warrior
This Genestealer lead the charge against the
targets of the swarm before degredation. This Tyranid
gains +5 Strength.
Nimble Infiltrator
Specializing in infiltration and stealth, this Tyranid
background provides +5 Agility.
Refined Neuroreceptors
The sensory receptors on this Tyranid are
incredibly sensitive, and able to process more
information. The Tyranid gains +5 Perception.
Resilient Bioform
Designed to withstand an incredible amount of
damage, this Tyranid gains +5 Toughness.
Slayer of Foes
No stranger to the art of death, this Genestealer
has left a large body count in it's wake. The
genestealer gains +5 Weapon Skill or Ballistic Skill.
Xenoform Neurobiology
Gifted with an incredible mental resilience, even
more potent that most of the swarm, the Tyranid gains
+5 Willpower.
 Ymgarl Genestealer Career Path
Ymgarl Genestealer Characteristics
As with human characters, Ymgarl Genestealers
also have characteristics that their players generate at
character creation. Unlike human Explorers, Ymgarl
Genestealers have different base values for their
Characteristics, see below.

Starting Wounds: Boasting an incredibly resilient

Tyranid body, Ymgarl Genestealers roll 1d5+3 and
add twice their starting Toughness Bonus to
determine their starting number of wounds.
Starting Fate Points: Not blessed by a strong
connection to the warp, Ymgarl Genestealers begin
play with 1 fate point.

Ymgarl Genestealers begin play with the following

Skills, Talents, Traits, and Gear.
Starting Skills: Awareness, Common Lore
(Tyranids), Concealment, Deceive, Disguise, Literacy,
Navigate (Surface), Silent Move, Speak Language
(Low Gothic), Speak Language (Tyranid)
Starting Talents: Ambidextrous, Biological
Camouflage, Leap Up, Lightning Reflexes, Sprint,
Feeding Tendrils, Hunger, Hibernation, Shapeshifting
Starting Traits: Multiple Arms (Toughness Bonus is
factored into base stats), Non Imperial, Speak Not
Unto the Alien, Reinforced Chitin 2, Dark Sight,
Ymgarl Tyranid
Starting Gear: Scything Talons, Spike Rifle, Guard
Flak Armour, Vox-Caster, Chrono, Voidfarer's
Clothes, Xeno-Crafted Void Suit
A Strange Yet Vulnerable Mind
Ymgarl Genestealers, whilst immune to many
effects that might damage their minds due to
the absence of the Tyranid Hive Mind, still
remain vulnerable to that which might
drive it to a maddened feeding state.
Insanity: Tyranid Explorers suffer Insanity as normal,
but do not suffer the effects as Humans do. At each
milestone, apply a -10 (cumulative) penalty to all rolls
pertaining to the Hunger talent. At 100, the character
enters a feral feeding state focused purely on
consuming blood and is removed from play.
Corruption: Tyranid explorers do not suffer
corruption points due to Tyrannic origins and their
body having an incredibly flexible biological makeup.
An Alien Body:
All Medicae tests made by Non-Tyranids on
Tyranids suffer a -20 penalty due to the odd nature of
their biological makeup. Additionally, anyone
operating on a Shapeshifted Tyranid may, with a
sufficient number of degrees of success, identify the
Tyranid for what they truly are. See the
Shapeshifting Talent in chapter 2 for more details.

24
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26
27
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 New Skills
Speak Language
(Advanced)
Intelligence
Skill Groups: Tyranid
Speak Language is used to communicate with
others using the same language. The Imperium has
nearly as many languages as it has star systems, but
for all this variety, most people can speak or
understand a variation of Low Gothic. In most
situations, Skill Tests are unnecessary so long as those
involved all speak a common tongue. However,
communication with those using obscure dialects or
cryptic, complex concepts will require a Test at an
appropriate Difficulty.
New Skill: Speak Language (Tyranid)
While the majority of the Tyranid race utilizes the
Hive Mind to communicate, there is a spoken version
of the Race's language. A rough mixture of clicks,
growls, and snarls, it can be mimicked by those who
are not Tyranids, but finding one willing to teach it
29
might be problematic. Those trained in this skill can
understand, if not speak with great proficiency, the
Tyranid language.
Common Lore
(Advanced, Investigation)
Intelligence
Skill Group: Tyranids
The Common Lore Skill allows the Explorer to
recall general information, procedures, divisions,
traditions, famed individuals, and superstitions of a
particular world, group, organization, or race. The
following additional Skill Group has been added to
those available. The manner in which this skill
functions remains unchanged.
New Skill: Common Lore (Tyranid)
Knowledge of the various strains of the Tyranid
genome, and their strengths and weaknesses. Also
comes with an understanding of Tyranid Hive Fleets
and Tyranid nature and history.
 New Talents
Source Disclaimer: The talents here that pertain to Ymgarl are
fan created. Other talents are taken from the Deathwatch RPG,
in particular the Core Rulebook, and Mark of the Xenos.
Aerial Biomorph
Requirements: Hunger (Tempered), Shapeshifting
Mastery, Size (Hulking) Maximum, Ymgarl Tyranid,
Unnatural Agility (x2), Unnatural Speed (x2)
The Ymgarl has manufactued a set of wings that
grants the Flyer (20) Trait. Should the Ymgarl ever
become larger that Size (Hulking), the wings are no
longer able to confer the benefits of this trait.
Shapeshifting to a smaller size allows the wings to
become utilized again.
Alpha Genestealer
Requirements: Brood Telepathy, Hunger (Tempered),
Shapeshifting Mastery, Ymgarl Tyranid
The Ymgarl now has a constant telepathic link
with any other Ymgarl which can function clearly and
without restriction (such as from intervening objects
or other forms of shielding) up to one kilometre. This
allows them to communicate with one another and
pass information to nearby Ymgarl quickly and
quietly. A Ymgarl Explorer at the heart of this
telepathic link (declared the focal point of the link)
can track its foes with the senses of many and
employs its greater intellect to coordinate and
command the other Ymgarl. As long as the Explorer
is conscious and within range, the entire group gains a
+20 bonus on all Awareness and Tracking Tests.
Biological Camouflage
Requirements: Ymgarl Tyranid
Ymgarl Genestealers may utilize their Willpower
when making Disguise checks utilizing their
shapeshifting. Applying normal cosmetic disguises
still utilizes the default Characteristic.
Brood Telepathy
Requirements: Hunger (Tempered), Shapeshifting
Mastery, Ymgarl Tyranid
This genestealer has managed to restore some of
the abilities that the Hive Mind once provided. If it
makes a successful willpower test it establishes a
telepathic link with each other Genestealer within a
1km radius, functioning without restrictions (such as
intervening objects or other forms of
shielding)
30
Brood Psyker
Requirements: Brood Telepathy, Hunger (Tempered),
Shapeshifting Mastery, Ymgarl Tyranid
Touched by the power of the immaterium, this
talent grants the Psyker trait, and allows the Ymgarl to
manifest powers as though they were a Sanctioned
Psyker (See page 157 of the Rogue Trader Core
Rulebook, and grants the Psy Rating (1) Talent.
Chameleonic Scales:
Requirements: Hunger (Tempered), Shapeshifting
Mastery, Ymgarl Tyranid
Similar to the fearsome Lictor, this talent allows
the Ymgarl the ability to render themselves almost
invsible to the naked eye and most other means of
visual detection, such as infrared or ultraviolet scopes.
Whenever they use Concealment, all tests to detect
them suffer a -30 penalty. In addition, they may make
Concealment tests as a half action rather than a Full
Action, and may do so when being observed or when
there is no nearby cover.
Extraordinary Senses:
Requirements: Heightened Senses (All), Shapeshifting
Mastery, Ymgarl Tyranid
The Ymgarl has developed incredible senses that
allow it to see in many spectrums of light and also
sense changed in the air around them or slight tremors
in the ground. They may make Awareness tests to
detect enemies even if they would not normally be
able to do so due to intevening terrain or other
conditions. Additionally, their senses are so good that
they never suffer more than a -30 modifer to
perception tests regardless of modifiers.
Feeding Tendrils
Requirements: Ymgarl Tyranid
All Ymgarl Tyranids have a series of feeding
tentacles instead of a maw. These allow it to initiate a
Grapple (as detailed in the Rogue Trader Core
Rulebook) with a target up to 1m away. With every
successful Opposed Strength Test the Ymgarl makes
as part of the Grapple Action, the target is pulled 1m
closer. These also allow the Ymgarl to suck their
prey dry of blood, their only source of
nourishment.
Flesh Hooks
Requirements: Hunger (Tempered), Shapeshifting
Mastery, Ymgarl Tyranid
This supplies the Ymgarl with dozens of tiny
hooks, which they can fire from their chests to snare
their prey and draw victims towards them. These
allow it to initiate a Grapple (as detailed in the Rogue
Trader Core Rulebook) with a target up to 10m away.
With every successful Opposed Strength Test the
Ymgarl makes as part of the Grapple Action, the
target is pulled 1m closer, plus a futher 1m for each
degree of success.
Genestealers Kiss:
Requirements: Brood Telepathy, Hunger (Tempered),
Shapeshifting Mastery, Ymgarl Tyranid
The Genestealer has managed to reform an
ovipositor within its maw that implants the aliens
genetic code into its victims. This seeds the hosts
body with a parasite that will grow into a monstrous
hybrid creature. Over a number of generations, these
hybrids will give birth to more hybrids until
eventually a new Genestealer is born. A host can
resist such an implantation, but only if they pass a
Challenging (+0) Toughness Test as soon as it
occurs. Once infected, the host becomes beholden to
the Genestealer that infected it (and through their
Brood Telepathy, that Genestealers entire brood), and
it protects and nurtures the progeny it carries as if it
were its own child.
Genetic Flexibility
Requirements: Character Creation Only, Ymgarl
Tyranid
The Ymgarl has an incredibly diverse set of
Genetics due to encountered biomass during their
travels throughout the Koronus Expanse. A Ymgarl
who selects this talent selects any one Characteristic.
Advances for this Characteristic on the Characteristic
Advance Table become Simple: 100, Intermediate:
250, Trained: 500, Expert: 750. If using Ascendant
Tyranid rules (See Chapter 7), the additional advances
may be purchased for 1000, 1500.
Hardened Carapace 6
Requirements: Reinforced Chitin 4
A more heavily ossified set of Chitinous plates
protects the Tyranid, granting an additional 2
armor points for a total of 6. The same
restrictions mentioned in the Reinforced
Chitin 2 and Shapeshifting Talents still apply.
Hardened Carapace 8
Requirements: Hardened Carapace 6
An incredibly robust set of Chitinous plates
protects the Tyranid from harm, granting an additional
2 armor points for a total of 8. The same restrictions
mentioned in the Reinforced Chitin 2 and
Shapeshifting Talent still apply.
Hibernation
Requirements: Ymgarl Tyranid
Ymgarl Genestealers may enter a Hibernative
state. This requires the Ymgarl to focus for 1d5
rounds, or automatically activates if the Ymgarl is
knocked unconcious by Critical Damage. While in a
Hibernative State, the Ymgarl's wounds will not
deteriorate or heal. A successful Very Hard (-30)
Awareness Test will allows the Ymgarl to locate prey
passing within their normal perception range, and
feeding up the target will remove all critical damage
from the Ymgarl, and allow them to then heal
normally.
Hunger
Requirements: Shapeshifting, Ymgarl Tyranid
The use of the Ymgarl's shapeshifting ability
requires an incredible amount of chemical fuel. This
results in the Ymgarl's metabolism being incredibly
high, even by Tyranid standards. Whenever the
Ymgarl Shapeshifting Talent is utilized, the Ymgarl
must make a Challenging (+0) Toughness Test. On a
failure, the Ymgarl has overextended it's body's
natural energy reserves, and must then make a Hard
(-20) Willpower Test to avoid feeding on the nearest
available source of food. (This may include other
Explorer Characters). Even if the Ymgarl succeeds on
this Willpower test, they must feed on a sufficient
quantity of food within the next hour or suffer 2d5
Toughness damage that cannot be healed until the
Ymgarl has fed, and afterwards heals normally.
Feeding requires an amount of blood roughly equal to
1 human sized creature (approximately 5 liters). This
blood may come from any source due to the Ymgarl's
incredibly adaptive digestive system, and need not be
fresh, though dried blood provides no nutrients.
When not shapeshifting, the Ymgarl must feed once
per number of days equal to Toughness Bonus.
Returning to their original form is a cessation of
the Shapeshifting ability, and as such requires
no tests.
31

Hunger (Sated)
Requirements: Hunger, Shapeshifting, Ymgarl
Tyranid
The Ymgarl has become accustomed to the
insatiable hunger that wracks their bodies when
shapeshifting. This talent reduces Toughness Test
presented in Ymgarl Hunger to an Ordinary (+10),
and reduced the Willpower Test presented there to a
Difficult (-10). This talent also grants the Ymgarl the
ability to last much longer without feeding upon a
failure through sheer willpower, extending the
feeding hour requirement to 1d5 hours. This talent
also cuts the needed nourishment down to one half a
human sized creature (approximately 2.5 liters) due to
a more efficient metabolism. The toughness damage
on not feeding is reduced to 1d5, and without
shapeshifting the Ymgarl is now able to feed once per
number of days equal to twice their Toughness Bonus.
Hunger (Tempered)
Requirements: Hunger, Hunger (Sated),
Shapeshifting, Ymgarl Tyranid
The Ymgarl has mastered the hunger that arises
whenever they utilize their Ymgarl Shapeshifting
ability. This talent reduces the toughness test
presented in Ymgarl Hunger to a Routine (+20) test,
and reduces the Willpower test presented there to a
Challenging (+0). This talent also grants the Ymgarl
the ability to last much longer without feeding upon
shapeshifting, extending the time to 2d5 hours. This
also cuts the needed nourishment down to only a
fraction of a human sized creature (approximately 1
liter) due to an incredibly efficient metabolism.
Toughness damage is now reduced by the Ymgarl's
Toughness Bonus to a minimum of 1. The Ymgarl,
when not utilizing shapeshifting, is able to stave off
hunger for a number of days equal to three times their
Toughness Bonus.
Memory Devourer:
Requirements: Hunger (Tempered), Shapeshifting
Mastery, Ymgarl Tyranid
This allows the Ymgarl to devour the brain of it's
prey to gain access to all of it's victim's most recent
and distinct memories (usually the location of
friendly troops or defences). If the Ymgarl wishes to
learn something very different from the victim, such
as an old memory or one the victim does not
remember well, it must make an Easy (+20)
Intelligence Test.
32
Perfected Disguise
Requirements: Hunger (Tempered), Shapeshifting
Mastery, Ymgarl Tyranid
The Ymgarl has perfect a single alter ego, which
they can now shift back and forth between as a Full
Action without needing to make the tests normally
required by Ymgarl Hunger. Once taken, the preferred
disguise may only be changed after a successful
Extended Disguise Test with appropriate modifiers as
decided by the GM. Until the Ymgarl has finished
constructing this new disguise by achieving the
required number of successes, the Ymgarl may not use
this talent. By taking this talent twice, up to two
alternate forms can be mastered. This alternate form
may be a different Tyrannic version with different
weapons and traits.
Reinforced Chitin 2
Requirements: Ymgarl Tyranid
A series of Chitinous plates cover the Tyranid's
body, grating 2 armor to all locations. When
shapeshifting into a non-tyrannic form, the Tyranid
does not gain the benefit of this armor, but can utilize
armor of the impersonated species. For more, see the
Shapeshifting Talent.
Reinforced Chitin 4
Requirements: Reinforced Chitin 2, Ymgarl Tyranid
A more heavily refined set of chitinous plates, this
talent increases the amount of armor given to all
locations by two, for a total of four. The same
restrictions apply.
Shapeshifting
Requirements: Ymgarl Tyranid
This talent allows a Ymgarl the ability to
shapeshift to disguise itself amongst any of the
bipedal humanoid races that wander the Koronus
Expanse, subject to GM discretion. They may hide
any natural weaponry that might alert unsuspecting
victims to the Ymgarl's true nature. This allows them
to blend in fairly well, requiring a successful Disguise
check. This disguise can be maintained for a number
of hours equal to the Ymgarl's Willpower Bonus, and
must be of a creature of the same size category as the
Ymgarl. Shapeshifting requires several minutes to
complete. The Ymgarl will revert back to their natural
shape upon reaching time restriction, being knocked
unconscious, or death. They may shapeshift again
in 1d10-WP Bonus hours, provided they have fed.
Any Medicae tests done on the Ymgarl to heal
them that get 2 or more degrees reveal it's
true identity.
Shapeshifting Expertise
Requirements: Ymgarl Tyranid, Shapeshifting
The Ymgarl has begun to master the art of
Shapeshifting, and is able to produce more believable
disguises for a longer period of time. Taking this
talent grants an additional +10 to the disguise check
to shapeshift, extends the duration of the
shapeshifting limitation to twice the Ymgarl's
Willpower Bonus in hours, and allows the Ymgarl to
become one size category larger or smaller than their
base size, with the to hit bonuses and penalties that
might entail for the duration of the disguise, though it
does not grant any additional attribute bonuses, and
the Ymgarl loses the benefits to any talents and traits
that have size requirements that no longer are met.
The Ymgarl may not exceed the normal size
categories with this talent. The Ymgarl will revert
back to their natural state upon death or
unconsciousness. The degrees of success on Medicae
tests needed is increased to 3.
Shapeshifting Mastery
Requirements: Ymgarl Tyranid, Shapeshifting,
Shapeshifting Expertise
Posessing true mastery of their shapeshifting
ability, the Ymgarl has refined their skills to an
almost perfect extent. The Ymgarl gains an an
additional +10 (For a total of +20 from this talent) to
all disguise checks to shapeshift, allows the shapeshift
to persist for a number of days equal to twice their
Willpower bonus, and allows the Ymgarl to
shapeshift two size categories larger or smaller. This
talent also reflects the fact that the Ymgarl has finally
begun to master their shapeshifting abilities, and
allows them to add to their own formidable abilities
several talents from other Tyranid strains. The
degrees of success required by medicae tests increases
to 4.
Tenacious Grappler
Requirements: Hunger (Tempered), Shapeshifting
Mastery, Ymgarl Tyranid
The Ymgarl drag down their prey by grappling on
so that they might extract the precious blood that they
require to survive. When attempting to grapple an
opponent armed with a Melee weapon, the Ymgarl
suffers only -10 to their WS instead of a -20.
Toxic Biomorph:
Requirements; Hunger (Tempered),
Shapeshifting Mastery, Ymgarl Tyranid
After an immense amount of practice, the
33
Ymgarl has managed to reform functional glands that
produce a quantity of Poison that covers weapons.
Grants the Toxic quality to all Natural Weapon
Attacks, which includes Rending Claws and Scything
Talons.
New Traits
Non-Imperial
This Character was not raised amongst humans,
and knows little about the culture and history of the
Imperium. The laws, traditions, religion and
superstitions of Mankind are unfamiliar and alien to
Characters with this trait. The character suffers a -10
penalty on all Common Lore, Forbidden Lore and
Scholastic Lore tests relating to the Imperium of Man.
Speak Not Unto the Alien
This character is a member of an alien species,
viewed with a mixture of fear and loathing by those of
other species, and so is essentially different in form
and thought that any kind of social interaction is a
significant challenge.
This creature counts all Fellowship-based tests as
being two steps more difficult when dealing with
creatures of a species other than its own. Additionally,
those of other species treat their Fellowship-based
tests as being two steps more difficult when dealing
with him. These penalties do not apply when dealing
with individuals who have come to trust the xenos
player character, for whatever reason (although the
final arbitrator of this is the GM). Finally, the presence
of any xenos aboard a human vessel is unsettling for
the crew, and as rumours spread, discontent over the
alien in their midst becomes noticeable. The continued
presence of one or more xenos player characters
aboard a ship reduces its Morale by 2.
Ymgarl Tyranid
The creature is a species of Ymgarl Tyranid, and
though the all consuming Will of the Hive Mind that
links and controls all Tyranids no longer calls to them,
they gain the following benefits due to remaining
portions of their neural framework. Ymgarl Tyranids
are immune to Fear and poisons, including the effects
of weapons with the Toxic Quality. This trait grants
proficiency with all Tyranid weaponry and allows
the Ymgarl to produce Living Ammunition.
 Chapter 3: Tyranid Armory
Source Disclaimer: Weapon qualties and statistics in this section
are taken from the Deathwatch RPG, primarily the Core
Rulebok and Mark of the Xenos.

Tyranid Weapons
Tyranid weapons are living things. In many cases
the weapons wielded by the various species of
Tyranid are symbiotic creatures that grow and live
together with the host creature that wields them.
Presented here are a selection of Tyranid weapons.
Weapon Training:
Only creatures with the Tyranid Trait or Ymgarl
Tyranid Trait may use Tyranid weapons. No weapon
training Talent is required for a Tyranid to use a
Tyranid weapon.
(Weapon Quality) Deadly Snare:
The weapon envelops the target in snares which
not only constrict but seek to strangle and flay their
victim. This weapon quality functions in the same
way as the Snare weapon quality (See Chapter V of
the Rogue Trader Core Rulebook), except that any
character entangled by the weapon suffers the
weapons damage again in their turn every round if
they do not break free.
(Weapon Quality) Living Ammunition:
The ranged weapons of the Tyranids use
ammunition that is grown, gestated, or excreted by
the creature or weapon. As such, ranged Tyranid
weapons do not have a clip value (it is considered to
be infinite), and do not need to be reloaded. The
weapon also never Jams.
(Ymgarl Special Ability) Integrated Weaponry
Due to the organic nature of Tyranid Weaponry, a Special Ammunition (Weapon Dependent)
Ymgarl may integrate a number of Tyranid Weapons Certain Tyranid Weapons have variant ammunition
(equal to half their unmodified Toughness Bonus) into types. These require a separate Acquisition Test, but
their own biomass, and hide them with their afterward are generated by the Tyranid's Biology,
Shapeshifting ability, utilizing Disguise instead of allowing them to select which ammunition type they
Sleight of Hand. The Ymgarl must still have desire.
sufficient carrying capacity to do this, and the GM
may rule they need to be a larger size for certain Changing Ammunition Types
weapons. Rending Claws and Scything Talons do not Changing ammunition types is a incredibly swift,
count toward this limit, as detailed in their individual as the valves and pathways within the Tyranid's
descriptions. A Tyranid may utilize Perfect Disguise biology function at an incredibly high speed.
to incorporate hiding weapons into their shifting, and Effectively, all Tyranids function as though they are
are considered to have succeeded on the Disguise equipped with a Fire Selector.
Check with a number of degrees of success equal to
one + their unmodified Willpower Bonus. Changing Equivalent Imperial Gear
Weaponry with this would follow the same Ymgarl may purchase Bioforged equivalents to
procedure as developing a new disguise, Imperial gear. The gear has the same bonuses
detailed in the Perfect Disguise Talent. and penalties, and is generally available for 3-4
rarity higher than their imperial counterparts,
all subject to GM Discretion.

34
 Tyranid Ranged Weapons
Barbed Strangler
The Barbed Strangler shoots a seed pod the size of a
mans fist using muscle contraction along the fleshy
barrel of the weapon. Upon impact, the strangler
seed-pod grows to maturity in seconds, sending out
hooked tendrils to bind and tear at its prey.
Deathspitter
A Deathspitter is a complex weapon symbiote that
shoots maggot-like organisms at targets with a spasm
of agonised muscle. Upon striking the target, the
squirming projectile disintegrates in a spray of
corrosive slime.
Devourer
A Devourer is a conical lump of flesh that
showers its target with a mass of worm-like parasites
that burrow through flesh and armour, thus eating the
target alive.
Brain Leech Worms (Special Ammunition): A
Devourer may be host to these more voracious and
deadly variety of creatures. A Devourer with Brain
Leech Worms does 2d10+6 R damage. Brain Leech
Worms are a separate Acquisition of Unique Rarity.
35
Fleshborer
A Fleshborer is a nest for razor-fanged borer
beetles which it ejects towards enemies.
Spike Rifle
Essentially a long tube of muscle, the spike rifle
fires a short harpoon-like bone into its targets over a
considerable distance, which imbed themselves if they
deal damage. Razor sharp and fired with great force,
the spike is able to punch through light armour and
even right through unarmoured targets. Once
embedded in flesh it becomes very difficult to remove
as it has tiny barbs which dig into the victim, holding
it in place. Removing the spikes requires a
Challenging (+0) Medicae Test, and failure means that
the weapon's damage is dealt again to that location,
ignoring armor.
Spine Fists
Carried in pairs, these weapon beasts attach to a
Tyranid creatures arms and can fire a sustained volley
of razor sharp darts. The speed at which the Spine Fist
can fire, and thus its rate of fire and its deadliness, is
related directly to the creature using it. It has tubes
attached to the creatures airways allowing a stronger
creature to expel more force into the weapon and fire
more darts. Thus a Tyranid creature can fire only
single shots from its Spine Fists unless it has the Swift
Attack or Lightning Attack Talents. Creatures with the
Swift Attack Talent can fire them with a semi-auto rate
of fire of 2, and a creature with the Lightning Attack
Talent can fire them with a full-auto rate of fire of 4.
Creatures may of course choose to fire them at a lower
rate of fire. Finally, a Spine Fist draws directly from
the strength of its user and adds their Strength Bonus
to the damage it deals.
Stranglethorn Cannon Tyranid Melee Weapons
The Stranglethorn Cannon is a more potent
species of Barbed Strangler that shoots seed pods that Bonesword
spawn deadlier and more aggressive tendrils. Boneswords are living blades of chitin that
possess a rudimentary sentience slaved to the will of
the wielder that infuses the blade with crackling
psychic energy and drains the life-force of its victims.
Drain Life: When a victim takes any damage from a
Bonesword, the wielder and victim make an Opposed
Willpower Test. For every degree of success, the
Boneswords wielder deals an additional 1d10 points
of Damage, ignoring the victims Armour and
Toughness Bonus.
Strangle Web
A composite creature, like all Tyranid weapons,
the Strangle Web fires a spray of sticky mucus at its
target, enveloping them in strands of glistening web.
Almost immediately the web begins to harden and
those covered become enmeshed in a cocoon of
constricting fibers which begins to crush them. Those
that survive the crushing are the left to the mercy of
the swarm.
Lash Whip
Venom Cannon and Venom Cannon (Heavy) A Lash Whip is a living scourge of muscle and
The Venom Cannon uses an electrostatic charge to sinew. Its tendrils snake around an opponents
shoot highly corrosive crystals coated with a metallic, defences to strangle and ensnare those that are not
venomous residue. On impact, the crystals shatter, sliced apart by the bony hooks at the tip of each
creating a deadly cloud of fragments. Some larger tentacle.
species of Tyranid also use an even larger and more
potent species of the Venom Cannon, the (Heavy)
Variant.

36
Rending Claws
Rending Claws are diamond hard growths of bone
capable of crushing reinforced ceramite and ripping
through the thickest of armour with frightening ease.
Rending Claws count as a Natural Weapon for the
purposes of some talents, cannot be used to parry, and
cannot be disarmed. One acquisition grants a claw
for each arm the Ymgarl can attack with.
(Mechanically this translates to 3)
37
Scything Talons
Scything Talons are razor-edged claws of fused
chitin and serrated bone used to stab and slash.
Scything Talons count as a Natural Weapon for the
purposes of some talents, cannot be used to parry, and
cannot be disarmed. One acquisition grants a talon for
each arm the Ymgarl can attack with. (Mechanically
this translates to 3)
 Chapter 4: Tyranid Psychic Powers
Source Disclaimer: Powers in this section were taken from the
Deathwatch RPG, primarily the Core Rulebook and Mark of the
Xenos.
Many Tyranid bio-forms possess potent psychic
powers, manifested not from drawing the power of
the warp but by tapping into the vast gestalt will of
the Hive Mind itself. Such is the potency of the Hive
Mind that a fully fledged Tyranid fleet can blanket
entire regions of space with its presence, casting a
shadow in the warp and projecting its ancient and
terrifying consciousness across the barrier between
Materium and Immaterium. When a Tyranid creature
with a particularly strong connection to the Hive
Mind, or the ability to channel its power, taps into this
vast store of will, it can create deadly psychic effects,
subverting minds, incinerating flesh or even bending
reality to aid the Tyranids all consuming hunger.
Ymgarl Tyranids are different from conventional
Tyranids in that their own damaged biology has given
them something that their fellow Tyranids do not
have: a connection to the true immaterium. Ymgarl
Tyranids follow all the normal rules for Sanctioned
Psykers as presented in the Rogue Trader Core
Rulebook. In addition, the powers in this section can
be purchased with the Tyranid Psychic Power Talent,
provided that all the Requirements are met.
Dominion
Action: Half
Opposed: No
Range: Special
Sustained: Yes
Description: The Tyranid creature reaches into the
depths of the Hive Mind and strengthens its links to
the indomitable alien will, projecting a blanket of
control and purpose through its Brood Telepathy to all
Tyranid bio-forms nearby. While this power is in
effect, the Tyranid creatures Brood Telepathy range is
doubled. In addition, the hardened resolve of the Hive
Mind gives both the creature and all other creatures
with the Tyranid Trait affected by the power +10 to all
Willpower test for its duration.
Hypnotic Gaze
Action: Half
Opposed: Yes
Range: 10 metres
Sustained: Yes
Description: The Broodlord can use its powerful gaze
to snare the mind of a nearby warrior, holding it
immobile and helpless as long as its stare remains
unbroken. The Broodlord can affect a single enemy
with this power, provided it can make eye contact with
its intended target. If the target succumbs to the
power, it is then held immobile (counts as being
Helpless) until it can break free by winning an
Opposed Willpower Test at the start of any of its turns,
or the Broodlords gaze is somehow broken.
Leech Essence
Action: Half
Opposed: Yes
Range: 10 metres x PR
Sustained: No
Description: Using the raw power of the Hive Mind,
the Tyranid creature tears the life-force from a nearby
foe, devouring its essence and healing its own
wounds. The target suffers 1d5 damage, plus an
additional 1d5 damage for each degree it fails the
Opposed Test, not reduced for either armour or
Toughness. The Tyranid creature is then immediately
healed by an amount equal to the damage inflicted, up
to its total number of starting wounds. When working
out the effects of Leech Essence, the Ymgarl should
calculate each 1d5 damage roll separately, because if
the target dies (or burns a Fate Point) before all the
damage is applied, no further wounds can be drained
from their desiccated corpse.
38
Onslaught
Action: Half
Opposed: No
Range: 25 metres x PR
Sustained: Yes
Description: The Tyranid creature infuses a nearby
brood with burning energy and the pitiless drive of
the Hive Mind to devour all in its path. The creature
chooses a single Tyranid within it's Brood Telepathy
Range, allowing it to either make a Full Move,
Standard Attack (Ranged or Melee), or Charge Action
as a Free Action once per Round. The Tyranid
continues to benefit from the effects of this power as
long as the creature sustains it and they remain in
range.
Paroxysm
Action: Half
Opposed: Yes
Range: 25 metres x PR
Sustained: Yes
Description: Summoning the power of the Warp, the
Ymgarl assails its foes with crippling pain, tearing at
their nerve endings and filling their minds with agony
that makes it difficult for them to stand let alone fight.
The Tyranid creature chooses a number of foes within
range equal to its Psy Rating. Those that fail their
Opposed Test reduce both their Weapon Skill and
Ballistic Skill to 10 while they remain affected by the
power. The pain is also quite distracting when trying
to concentrate and therefore targets under the effects
of Paroxysm suffer a 10 to all Intelligence,
Perception, Willpower and Fellowship Characteristic
and Skill Tests.
Psychic Scream
Action: Half
Opposed: No
Range: 20 metre Radius
Sustained: No
Description: The Ymgarl may let forth a terrible
silent scream that echoes in the mind as a crippling
shriek. All sentient, living creatures within range
suffer a hit that deals 1d10+8 Impact Damage to their
head with the Shocking quality (See Rogue Trader
Core Rulebook). The victims suffers a 30
penalty to his Toughness Test to resist
Stunning. If the Toughness Test is failed, the
victim is stunned for 1d5 rounds.
39
The Horror
Action: Half
Opposed: No
Range: 75 metres, PR Radius
Sustained: No
Description: The Ymgarl may unleash a wave of
horror that gnaws at the resolve of its enemies. This
power may be used to target an area within 75 metres.
Each target within Psy Rating meters of the initial
point must take a Willpower test with a 30 modifier,
or flee in panic.
Warp Blast
Action: Half
Opposed: No
Range: 50m x PR
Sustained: No
Description: By sending out a burning bolt of warp
energy, the Ymgarl blasts an area with power. The
Ymgarl must choose a single creature within range as
the target, through others nearby may be affected. The
Ymgarl must make a successful Focus Power Test
modified as if it were making a ranged attack at the
target, taking into account such things as range and
concealment. Warp Blast inflicts 1d10 Energy
Damage x PR, with a Penetration of 2 x PR. Creatures
within 1m x PR of the target are also affected and
suffer damage as well. This power may be Dodged.
Warp Lance
Action: Half
Opposed: No
Range: 30m x PR
Sustained: No
Description: More focused than a Warp Blast, the
Warp Lance is primarily used against heavily
armoured targets and vehicles. Taking the form of a
single concentrated beam of energy, it can strike a
single target within range. The Ymgarl must make a
successful Focus Power test, modified as if it were
making a ranged attack at the target, taking into
account such things as range and concealment. Warp
Lance inflicts 2d10 Energy Damage x PR, with a
Penetration of 5 x PR. This power may be Dodged.
 Chapter 5: Tyranid Starships
Source Disclaimer: Lore in this section comes from Battlefleet
Gothic: Armada, wh40k.lexicanum.com, and
warhammer40.wikia.com. Inclusion of Ymgarl and Hiveless
Vessels and Fleets is unofficial fluff and can be used or
disregarded as needed.
Teeth, claws, tentacles, spines give me guns, oh
Emperor give me guns! I know how to fight an enemy
who attacks me with guns!
- Captain Endolus at the Battle of Macragge
The race known to Man as the Tyranids have been
the bane of all organic life for eons, devourers of
worlds and the agents of the fall of more races and
civilisations than even Mankind can ever aspire to. As
the menace of the Tyranid Hive fleets Kraken,
Behemoth and Leviathan stretch across the southern
and eastern arms of the galaxy, great swathes of space
and even entire sectors have disappeared from the
Emperors Light beneath the vast shadow of the Hive
Mind. On the other side of the galaxy in the Koronus
Expanse, there exist only remnants of these deadly
Hive Fleets. Severed from whatever Hive Mind they
might once have been a part of, these isolated vessels
and drifting hulks have some similarities with their
more active bretheren, and some incredible
differences. Those Ymgarl who have discovered and
been able to unlock the secrets of these 'Hiveless'
ships have found remarkable things within.
travels unless they have a powerful telepath of some
kind aboard or a Tyranid still connected to a Hive
Mind elsewhere.
Hive ships
These void-swimming behemoths act as primary
nodes for the Hive Mind and direct the activity of the
entire swarm. Hive ships function as living mother
ships, bio-factory vessels breeding and hatching
endless swarms of Tyranids to pursue prey across void
and planet alike. Though most swarms will typically
contain more than one hive ship, in some circles it is
believed that there is still a single ship that maintains
central control of the entire collective and acts to
coordinate the assault, though this cannot be
confirmed. There are also unsubstantiated reports that
there are a very small number of hive ships in every
swarm that are much more massive than the rest.
Dwarfing even great battleships, these immeasurably
vast creatures arrive very late in the process of
planetary assimilation and are believed to be those
responsible for the method by which even the
atmosphere and oceans are consumed from orbit, as
the final stage of the worlds consumption by the hive
fleet. Though such a gargantuan organism would
explain how once lush and fertile worlds are left
barren, airless and sterile, there are as of yet no
recorded sightings of such a monstrous creature.

The Hive Mind

Imperial scientists believe that hive ships and
their attendant drone ships have a deep connection to
the Hive Mind the over-arching gestalt
consciousness of the Tyrannic race. This pervasive
psychic contact permeates the area around the hive
fleet to such an extent that Warp space is distorted for
light years around the fleets position. Travel through
the Warp becomes increasingly uncertain near the
Tyrannic fleets and astrotelepathy exceptionally
unreliable or completely useless. Many Astropaths
have lost their minds in battle with the Tyranids, and
entire squadrons have been crippled by dangerous
Warp eddies. Thus, as the hive fleets advance,
confusion and terror precede them beneath the
suffocating shadow they cast over the doomed worlds
in their path. Hiveless vessels do not cast this
ominous precursor to their arrival, nor the same
disruption. While still able to communicate
with other vessels on a local scale, Hiveless
vessels are very much isolated during long

40
Kraken, Cruisers and Droneships
These bio-ships range in size from comparable to
the escorts of other races to massive ships nearly the
equal in size of the hive ships they accompany. Ever
evolving, some of these creatures of the void are
called Kraken, named after the hive fleet in which
they first appeared, identified as specialized
biological entities which accompany hive ships in a
swarm and defeat each new foe they encounter. Hive
ships are known to respond to new threats by birthing
more of these Kraken to overwhelm the defences of
any sentient race or hapless world they encounter.
Hiveless ships still retain the ability to manufacture
lesser bio-weapons and life forms, but the ability to
produce more advanced Tyranid Strains has been lost
by them. Though they lack this function, they are still
a formidable threat and not to be taken lightly by
those who encounter them in the Expanse.
Though the Imperium has come to learn much
about these creatures of the galactic ether, the
distinction between the so-called classes of ship
remain unclear. It has only recently, for instance, been
ascertained (through careful observation of the
subdual and consumption of Bonnis II in the Coronet
Sector) that many of the escorts and cruisers found in
typical Tyranid swarms are immature hive ships in
various stages of development. It is believed that the
Hive Mind nodes in these space-dwelling organisms
remain dormant until they are mature enough to
project their will across vast reaches of space, though
when this takes place in a creatures life cycle has yet
41
to be determined. Hiveless ships do not progress into
more advanced ships naturally, having been cut off
from the devices and resources to do so. With
sufficient research and development, this process
might be restarted but the specifics of how are a secret
entrusted to the Hive Mind, a resource which Ymgarl
no longer have access to.
Many of these beasts are developed with very
specialised abilities that were probably evolved over
the Tyranids long experience against various races
throughout the galaxy. Found in a wide variety of
forms, these creatures exhibit bizarre forms that can
be quite unlike one another. Unlike the far larger hive
ships that have shown a basic pattern of growth
despite their great variety, these beasts have shown a
diversity of forms and functions so numerous as to
defy conventional classification. First described in
detail by forces opposing Hive Fleet Kraken, these
creatures demonstrate characteristics that are
obviously evolved to counter specific threats, and they
usually appear in the forefront of a swarm as it
approaches insystem to break up enemy formations. It
is believed that because some of these ships are
evolved to fill such a specialised role, their size varies
greatly dependant upon need. Many within the
Imperium fear that if such mutability can exist within
the lower orders of the Tyranid race, that hive ships
and their gargantuan kin could also evolve rapidly and
effectively pose an even more direct threat to the
forces that oppose them. With proper guidance from a
Ymgarl, Hiveless Ships can do the same.
Vanguard Droneships
These fast scouts are the only type of Tyranid bio-
ship that have ever been observed operating
independently of a hive fleet. These creatures quickly
develop their psychic connection to the Hive Mind,
allowing them to be sent far ahead of the hive ship
and other synapse vessels, but this comes at a price.
They mature quickly and remain slight, flimsy
creatures in comparison to their much slower growing
(and longer lived) brethren. Vanguard drone ships
possess great speed and agility, but are only lightly
42
armed. They appear primarily to act as scouts and
travel light years ahead of a swarm to locate and seed
suitable prospective planets for assimilation. They
may well also act to illuminate enemy vessels for
attack by later contingents of the invading swarm.
Agents of Mankind have struggled against death
itself to gather information about the Hive Mind ever
since humans first encountered them in the Tyran
system. And, at a huge cost to themselves, they have
ascertained more detailed information about the
operating activities and tactics of Tyranid swarms.
 Tyranid Starship Special Rules
Source Disclaimer: Tyranid Ships and Special Rules are made
based on BFG:A descriptions and comparing them to existing
Imperial and Xenos ships for power comparison.
Tyranid Hiveless Vessel Special Rules
All Hiveless ships are subject to the following
special rules:
Handling Feedback: The piloting systems on
Tyranid vessels are semi-sentient and able to provide
feedback and automatically correct mistakes. Tyranid
vessels may re-roll any piloting tests for Manoeuvre
Actions.
Animalistic Horror: The sheer brutality of Tyranids
when the engage in Boarding Actions is something
that few witness and live to tell the tale. Double
Crew Population and Morale damage inflicted with a
successful Boarding Action or Hit and Run attack.
Spawning Pools: Due to the ability to spawn the
barely sentient lesser lifeforms that handle minor
systems aboard Tyranid Vessels, crew are easily
replaced. Reduce all Crew Population losses by 1 (to
a minimum of 1).
Bred for Duty: The mechanical nature with which
Tyranids perform their duties on ship combined with
the ease with which the fallen are replaced leads to a
resilient system of command. Reduce all Morale
losses by 1 (to a minimum of 1).
Bio-Organic Hull: Due to their living nature, Tyranid
Vessels are not maintained in the same manner as the
starships of the other races. In any instance where the
Tech-Use skill would be utilized (this includes special
actions in starship combat), utilize a Medicae Test
instead. Note: Enterprising Ymgarl may find a way
to put non-organic systems on their ship to diversify
it's abilities. Utilize Tech Use as normal for non-
organic parts integrated into Tyranid Vessels.
Localized Hive Mind: Though not as powerful as the
true Tyranid Hive Mind, Hiveless ships can
communicate with each other within a star system and
so long as they maintain relatively close distance
within Narvhal Drive. This allows for
communications as though utilizing a standard Vox
Caster between Hiveless Vessels, range being GM
discretion.
Biological Ordinance: Due to various spawning
pools located throughout Tyranid Vessels,
43
replacements to consumable items are regenerated at a
rate of one per week. This means that every week a
Tyranid Ship could re-grow one torpedo, one squadron
of fighter equivalents, or one squadron of bomber
equivalents.
Traversing the Void
Normally Tyranids do not travel in the same way
that Imperial Vessels do, but that is not the case with
Hiveless vessels. The Hiveless Vessels of the
Koronus Expanse have a unique component not found
in other Tyranid vessels: the Narvhal Drive. The
Narvhals are mostly defenseless vessels that allow
hive fleets to travel to the edge of most systems, then
travel to the desired planet by conventional sub-light
drives. This is an incredibly slow process, and is
hindered by gravity wells of other planetary bodies
and other celestial hazards. Perhaps this drive was
developed by a long lost hive fleet specifically due to
the increased number of celestial hazards present in
the Koronus Expanse. For whatever reason, the
conversion allows for travel much further into
systems, but not without a cost.
The Narvhal Drive functions very similar to the
Warp Drives utilized by the Imperium. By breaking
the barrier partially into the Immaterium, the
navigational problems caused by gravity wells and
other hazards is negated, but at the risk of drawing the
watchful eyes of those that inhabit the beyond.
This allows Tyranid Vessels to travel the stars in
the same manner that Imperial Vessels do, by entering
the Warp. When traversing the Warp with Tyranid
ships, utilize the same steps that Imperial Vessels do
as detailed in the Rogue Trader Core Rulebook.
Drawn to the Stars
No easy task to perform, the operation and
navigation of Tyranid Vessels is not something every
Ymgarl can do. Those that do are known as Ymgarl
Fleetmasters, capable of understanding and managing
the various needs of the monstrous and confusing Bio-
Ships that lay abandoned across the Koronus Expanse.
Even with their own skill, they often seek out fellow
Ymgarl to ease the burden of maintaining the
enormous beasts that carry them across the void.
 Creating Tyranid Starships
Tyranid Starships are constructed much in the
same way as Imperial starships, with some
differences to the rules. Begin by selecting a Hull
from the Tyranid Hull Types. After this is done,
proceed with selecting Essential Components,
checking below to make sure what parts and effects
are available.
Essential Components:
Essential Components are required for a starship to
function. A ship must have one (no more)
Component from each of the following categories,
lest the ship lose some vital function. Without a life
sustainer, for instance, the vessel is nothing more
than a cold and empty tomb, while a ship would be
blind and deaf without an auger array.
Bio-Mass Conversion Drives
Tyrannic vessels move themselves through the
immaterium utizing an organic means of propulsion
that produces equivalent thrust to Imperial vessels.
These also serve to convert obtained biomass to
provide energy to the propulsion and rest of the bio-
ship. Utilize Imperial Plasma Drive with the same
statistics, benefits, and restrictions located in the
Rogue Trader Core Rulebook and other supplements.
Narvhal Drive
This component is a modified version of the
traditional Narvhal Bio-Ship that guides the majority
of Tyranid Fleets through the void. A highly modified
interface system allows operators to sense far off
locations in the void, then touch the immaterium to
reach their destination unimpeded by traditional
restrictions of the Narvhal Bioship (For more details
see Traversing the Void on page 43). For statistics
utilize Imperial Warp Drives with the same statistics,
benefits, and restrictions located in the Rogue Trader
Core Rulebook and other supplements.
Zoanthropic Shielding
Another component unique to Tyranid Ships of
the Expanse, this field is a means of protecting a ship
from the dangers of the Immaterium. Grown from a
strain bearing some similarities to Tyranid
Zoanthropes, it protects Tyranid Vessels utilizing the
Narvhal Drive to traverse the void. For
statistics, utilize Imperial Gellar Fields with
the same statistics, benefits, and restrictions
located in the Rogue Trader Core
Rulebook and other supplements.
44
Spore Fields
Surrounding Tyranid Vessels is an incredible
number of small pieces of biomass. This biomass is
capable of stopping incoming munitions fire, and is
replaced as quickly as it is destroyed. For statistics
utilize Imperial Void Shields with the same statistics,
benefits, and restrictions located in the Rogue Trader
Core Rulebook and other supplements.
Tyrannic Command Clusters
Providing a localized series of interface clusters,
this provides an ideal point from which to monitor all
functions of a bio-ship. For statistics, utilize Imperial
Bridge Components with the same statistics, benefits,
and restrictions presented in the Rogue Trader Core
Rulebook and other supplements.
Tyrannic Bio-Sustainer
While many Tyranids can function in pure
vacuum, they require some support during their
spawning stages, as do some of the lesser Tyrannic
bioforms. For statistics, utilize Imperial Life
Sustainer Components with the same statistics,
benefits, and restrictions presented in the Rogue
Trader Core Rulebook and other supplements.
Tyrannic Housing Pods
In order to transport the large quantity of Tyranids
necessary to successfully overtake a planet, there must
be adequate space, which Housing Pods provide. For
statistics, utilize Imperial Crew Quarters Components
with the same statistics, benefits, and restrictions
presented in the Rogue Trader Core Rulebook and
other supplements.
Tyrannic Bio-Sensors
Tyranid ships are able to sense anomalies in the
void through a complicated network of sensory organs
located throughout their superstructure. For statistics,
utilize Imperial Auger Array Components with the
same statistics, benefits, and restrictions presented in
the Rogue Trader Core Rulebook and other
supplements.
Biological Voidships
Due to the strange nature of Bio-Ships, those not
proficient with their workings suffer a -20 to all
Medicae tests to repair damage done to them.
Tyranids are considered to be proficient.
Supplemental Components
There exist several special components that can be
added to Tyranid Bio-Ships during their construction,
primarily weapons. Rules regarding how to represent
Tyranid Starship Weapons are detailed below.
Bio-Plasma
Massive Bio-plasma-emitting spines can also be
found on Tyranid bio-ships. These spines emit
gargantuan balls of Bio-plasma that can devastate
enemy voidcraft. Bio-plasma spines serve as effective
short-range weapons batteries in void combat for
Tyranid bio-ships. Bio-Plasma Spines function the
same way that Imperial Lance weapons do. For
statistics, utilize Imperial Lance Weapons with the
same statistics, benefits, and restrictions as detailed in
the Rogue Trader Core Rulebook and other
supplements.
Feeder Tendrils
Many Tyranid ships have huge tentacles which
they use to feed on planetary atmospheres, and
which can also be used to punch through the
hull of a ship allowing the Tyranid organisms
inside to assault the enemy. For statistics, utilize the
Murder Servitors Supplemental Component located
on page 205-206 of the Rogue Trader Core Rulebook.
Massive Claws
Tyranid vessels are terrifying in combat at close
quarters. Not only are they packed full of
bioengineered killing machines, often the ships
themselves have specially evolved claws designed to
rip through the armour of its target, or crushing
mandibles that latch onto the ships prey and then
slowly but inevitably tear through decks and gantries.
For statistics, utilize the Armored Prow Supplemental
Component located on page 204 of the Rogue Trader
Core Rulebook.
Pyro-Acidic Battery
These Tyranid weapons work by launching
compact organic shells containing virulent toxins and
pyro-acids. These can cause considerable damage on
impact, but it is the release of their ravening payloads
into the confines of a ship that can prove the most
deadly. For statistics, utilize any Imperial
Macrobattery Weapon located in the Rogue Trader
Core Rulebook or other supplements. Due to their
pyro-acidic quality, upon achieving any critical hit the
vessel struck is automatically subjected to a 'fire'
critical hit in addition to whatever critical effect is
rolled.
Tyrannic Boarding Torpedoes
Due to the penchant for Tyranids to engage in
Boarding actions, Tyranid vessels only utilize
Boarding Torpedoes, or rather their Bioform
equivalent. Utilize the rules for Imperial Torpedo
Tubes and Boarding Torpedoes presented in
Battlefleet Koronus and other supplements for any
Torpedo components.
Tyrannic Launch Bays
Tyranids utilize a variety of attack craft and
bomber variants aboard their vessels, largely in the
form of deployable bio-form variants of small craft.
Utilize Imperial Equivalents of Launch Bays,
Bombers, Fighters, and Assault Boats located in
Battlefleet Koronus for any Landing Bay components.
Possible variations include hull-boring worms, ether-
swimming brood carriers, protazoid enzymes,
ravening limpet mines and the like.
Other Supplemental Components
Tyrannic vessels may utilize bio-formed
equivalents of any Imperial Starship component,
provided there would logically be an equivalent. For
more components, check the Rogue Trader Core
Rulebook or other supplements.
45
 Tyranid Starship Hulls
Tyranid Hive Ship
Hull: Grand Cruiser (Equivalent) Dimensions: 7.5 km long, 1.8 km abeam
Mass:40 Megatonnes Crew: GM Discretion
Accel: 2.2 Gravities Max Sustainable
Tyranid hive ships are monstrous, void swimming leviathans that are found at the very heart of the hive fleets.
Tremendous physical variety has been observed in these behemoths, although thick, stone-like armour plates and dense
clusters of weapon growths are common features. Despite their seemingly impossible size, hive ships are living creatures
incorporating millions of bioengineered organisms. Each is a biological factory capable of creating millions of Tyranid
organisms, of replicating genomes and splicing together new creatures perfectly adapted for each new world
encountered. Tens of thousands of Tyranid warriors are carried aboard hive ships, the cocooned officers of nightmare
hordes yet to be born.

Speed: 5 Manoeuvre: +5
Detection: +10 Hull Integrity: 90
Armor: 21 Turret Rating: 4
Space: 90 Ship Points: 70
Weapon Capacity: Port 2, Starboard 2, Prow 1, Dorsal 1

Tyranid Cruiser
Hull: Cruiser (Equivalent) Dimensions: 5 km long, .8 km abeam
Mass:28 Megatonnes Crew: GM Discretion
Accel: 2.5 Gravities Max Sustainable
Tyranid cruiser class vessels represent a mixture of immature hive ships and overgrown escort drones. They are
aggressive in their attacks, storming out from the hive fleet in response to any threat to the massive hive ships, often
using claws and tentacles to make direct attacks on ships in an effort to physically smash them to pieces. Cruiser sized
Tyranid bioships are seldom found far from the hive ship, however, and it has been theorised that they receive their
nourishment from them in some manner. Tyranid cruisers are arguably the greatest threat within the Tyranid fleet, since
they are themselves massive and well-armed, whilst not being relied upon as a synapse creature. This allows cruisers to
attack far more aggressively than hive-ships, since their loss will not greatly endanger associated elements of the fleet.
As with most Tyranids vessels, however, their threat is only really effective at close range.

Speed: 5 Manoeuvre: +10

Detection: +10 Hull Integrity: 70
Armor: 20 Turret Rating: 2
Space: 75 Ship Points: 60
Weapon Capacity: Port 1, Starboard 1, Prow 1, Dorsal 1

46
Tyranid Vanguard Drone Ship
Hull: Raider (Equivalent) Dimensions: 1.6 km long, 0.3 km abeam
Mass:6 Megatonnes Crew: GM Discretion
Accel: 5 Gravities Max Sustainable
Vanguard drone ships range far ahead of the main fleets at times, seeking suitable worlds for the hive ships to feast
upon. They carry specific Tyranid infiltration organisms, such as Genestealers, Lictors, Hormagaunts and Leapers which
they seed onto likely worlds with spores from low orbit. Vanguard drone ships in close proximity to the hive fleets are
those which have either recently returned with such scouting information, or are about to depart with their cargo of woe
for more worlds. The threat posed by these organisms to countless planets is such that they are often priority targets in
raids against the hive fleets.

Speed: 10 Manoeuvre: +25

Detection: +10 Hull Integrity: 90
Armor: 16 Turret Rating: 1
Space: 40 Ship Points: 35
Weapon Capacity: Prow 1

Tyranid Escort Drone

Hull: Frigate (Equivalent) Dimensions: 1.95 km long, .3 km abeam
Mass:7.5 Megatonnes Crew: GM Discretion
Accel: 4.3 Gravities Max Sustainable
Slow and heavy in comparison to the other Tyranid escort class vessels, escort drones are heavily armed for their size
and usually come mobhanded. They are often the hive ships last line of defence and cluster in dense shoals about the
behemoths flanks.

Speed: 7 Manoeuvre: +18

Detection: +15 Hull Integrity: 40
Armor: 20 Turret Rating: 1
Space: 42 Ship Points: 42
Weapon Capacity: Prow 2

47
 Chapter 6: Alternate Career Ranks
Alternate Career Ranks represent diversions and
differing branches to a characters basic Career Path.
These might be the result of exposure to new cultures
or agencies in the Expanse, hidden secrets a character
chooses to reveal to his fellow Explorers, or the result
of specialised training or equipment a character has
gained in his travels. Note that these Alternate Career
Ranks do not fundamentally change a characters
nature; if a character is following the Arch-militant
Career Path, then his path stays focused on martial
abilities and conflict. Rather, they signify a
characters experiences moving along a side path,
learning new abilities and gaining new experiences
along the way.
Alternate Career Ranks can let a player
differentiate and personalise his character, especially
in situations where several players have chosen the
same Career. Based on the new directions a player
wishes his Explorer to follow, he might find his
character evolving in ways the player had not initially
anticipated when creating him.
Alternate Career Ranks also allow a character to
become even more firmly rooted into the settings of
Rogue Trader, the Calixis Sector and the Koronus
Expanse. Each of these paths offer Explorers new and
exciting ways to interact with the rest of their
surroundings.
Taking an Alternate Career Rank
Alternate Career Ranks might look very appealing,
and not just because they represent something that
diverges from the standard Career Path. With access
to new powers, Skills, and Talents, a character can
stand out from others and, ideally, better aid his
fellow Explorers. However, some Alternate Career
Ranks can complicate the campaign at large, and
players should always ask for the GMs permission
before having their Explorers take on Alternate Career
Ranks.
Each Alternate Career Rank has several
Prerequisites that an Explorer must meet before
selecting it. Many of these Prerequisites are Talents,
Skills, or Characteristic thresholds, and an Explorer
must fulfil all of the listed Prerequisites for an
Alternate Career Rank before selecting it.
In addition, some Alternate Career Ranks are only
available to Explorers from certain Careers.
Other Alternate Career Ranks have various
restrictions in this regard.
Lastly, each Alternate Career Rank has a set of Ranks
at which it can be selected. Typically, this is a
minimum Rank within a Career Path that the Alternate
Career Rank can replace (such as Rank 3 or higher).
If an Explorer meets all the above requirements for
an Alternate Career Rank, he can select it in place of
one of his normal Career Paths Ranks when he earns
enough xp to access that Rank. The Explorer replaces
the Rank he would have taken with the Alternate
Career Rank. The Explorer exchanges the Alternate
Career Ranks Advance Table for the usual Rank he
would be able to make purchases from as part of his
Career. At this point, the Explorer has access to the
new Advances and may spend xp to purchase these
Talents, Traits, and Skills. Some of the Alternate
Career Ranks also have special Traits or other abilities
that the Explorer gains immediately upon selecting the
Alternate Career Rank. Once the Explorer has earned
enough xp points to reach the next Rank in his Career,
he returns to the next Rank in his original Career Path.
While any new Alternate Career Rank is filled
with new opportunities, there are some drawbacks to
diverging off of the standard path. This new focus
might deny an Explorer access to other Skills and
Talents, or force the Explorer to pay more experience
for them. A player could even find his characters
maximum ability with certain Skills reaching its upper
limit earlier than he had planned. This is a potential
price for taking a more generalised character in a more
specific and specialised direction.
As all of this can complicate the normal character
progression system, Alternate Career Ranks are
recommended for more experienced players. Keep in
mind also that regardless of how many new options an
Explorer gains, an Explorers Rank is still governed
by the total amount of xp he has earned over the
course of his development.
Elite Advances from Missed Career Ranks
Choosing an Alternate Career Rank means a character
has diverged from the generalised regular path of his
career for a more specialised one. While this means
access to new and often unique abilities during his
tenure, it can often mean missing out on the
opportunities afforded in the regular development of
his character. The Explorer can purchase these
missed Skills and Talents
48
with the GMs approval as Elite Advances in the
missed Rank at a cost set by the Game Master. A
recommended base cost for these Advances is twice
the original cost (so a 200 xp Skill would cost 400 xp,
while a 500 xp Talent would cost an impressive 1,000
xp). The GM can modify this amount up or down as
he sees fit, keeping in mind that Alternate Career
Ranks present opportunities to characters they
normally would not have, and there should be a trade-
off for this opportunity.
49
Career Progression
Advancing to a characters next Rank is done
normally once the character has accumulated and
spent enough xp. The character might find in later
Ranks that the digression he took for his Alternate
Career Rank has left him bereft of certain Skills, ones
needed as Prerequisites for some of the Advances the
character might wish to have. To acquire them the
player must obtain them as Elite Advances.
Alternately, the player might find developing the new
Advances his character gained in his Alternate Career
Rank is a way to further individualise a character and
make up for the missed opportunities of the path not
taken.
 Ymgarl Fleetmaster
Source Disclaimer: This class and lore is purely unofficial fluff.
It is meant to represent Ymgal whose natural inclination is fleet
operation and management. Use or disregard as you see fit.
Some Ymgarl are drawn to a calling from the
moment of their awakening. For some, this drive
brings them to a treasured possesion: the skills and
knowledge to operate and maintain one of the
massive vessels that brought them to this section of
the galaxy in the first place: a Tyranid Bio-Ship.
These large vessels are only tangentially
understood by the Imperium in areas where Hive
Fleets are a regular sight. Those that traverse the
Koronus Expanse are different animals entirely, and
that is no metaphor.
Tyranid Bio-Ships are living creatures, requiring
an incredible amount of expertise to operate and
maintain in some ways, but much simpler and more
reliable in others. Thankfully, the Bio-Ships of the
Koronus Expanse are largely automated, and the
localized Hive Minds that they produce are enough to
50
allow control of the titanic organisms by but a few
Ymgarl.
While a few Ymgarl can operate one or two
functions of these vessels it, it is those who are given
the title of Fleetmaster that can manipulate the various
facets of the Bio-Ship with an almost artful precision
and purpose.
Able to direct lesser Tyrannic bio-forms and other
Ymgarl alike, they have an unparalleled understanding
of how these ships work, how to operate them, and
how to navigate them safely through the stars.
While this ability is certainly an advantageous
one, it does come at a cost. Some of the more
traditional Ymgarl Genestealer skills are lost to those
who are granted this voidfaring knowledge.
Because of their ability to traverse the Expanse,
these Fleetmasters often become leaders amongst
groups of their own, and several now travel the
Koronus Expanse, possibly hoping to re-unite all the
wayward Ymgarl who inhabit it.
Ymgarl Fleetmaster Requirements and Advancement

51
 Ymgarl Genestealer Magus

Source Disclaimer: This strain exists in the official lore (see

page 5), but the class description below has been tailored to
Ymgarl Tyranids and is unofficial. Use or disregard as needed.

In Genestealer Cults, the Magus plays a vital role

in infiltrating a civilized society. Due to his
intelligence, charisma, appearance, and understanding
of the society being infiltrated, he is well suited to his
role as mouthpiece of the clan to the outer society.
The Magus is a special mutation which appears in
a clan if a psychically-active species, such as
humanity, is infiltrated. As a Genestealer Hybrid of
the 4th generation, he appears nearly human, although
is invariably bald and heavy boned. He is highly
intelligent and possesses formidable psychic ability.
His "normal" appearance allows him to operate as the
public spokesman for the clan or cult, which is
disguised as a legitimate religious, political or social
movement.
The Ymgarl variant of the Genestealer Magus has
the same skill with deception, but augments that with
a terrible capacity for destruction. The Ymgarl
Genestealer Magus is a veritable master of the
Immaterium, and greatly in tune with it's psychic
abilities.
Thanks to the bevy of junk DNA floating around
in their systems, Ymgarl have access to a wide variety
of Tyranid Psychic Techniques, and are able to
unleash the psychic abilities from several different
types of Tyranid, including Hive Tyrants and
Zoanthropes.
Though experimentation and study, the Ymgarl
has begun to gain an understanding of the formerly
unknown entity that is the immaterium. Gaining
comprehension of Psychic Techniques and the warp,
this gives an exra edge when utilizing and dealing
with those who utilize the powers of the warp.
A true force to be reckoned with, both on and off
the battlefield, crossing a Ymgarl Genestealer Magus
unprepared could cost more than expected.

52
 Ymgarl Genestealer Magus Requirements and Advancement

Blank Column 2

New Talent: Warp Shunting

Out of practice born of the inherenty odd nature of
the Ymgarl Tyranid mind, the Magus has learned to
better control the odd eddies and currents of the warp.
Gain the benefits of the Rite of Sanctioning Talent in
the Rogue Trader Core Rulebook.

53
 Ymgarl Impersonator
Source Disclaimer: This Alternate Ranks is purely unofficial as
is the description of them written below. Feel free to use or
diregard it as you see fit.
While some Ymgarl Genestealers scrimp and
scrouge to get by, some fully embrace the wild
freedom of the Koronus Expanse and begin to work
within the society, such as it is, that exists there.
Ymgarl Impersonators have fully mastered the art
of blending in to a particular society or race. Though
an incredible amount of practice, they have managed
to perfect their shapeshifted disguise to the point
where it is almost completely unrecognizable, even
by medical professionals.
This allows the Ymgarl to function as a member
of the society of their choosing without any of the
usual drawbacks for being, well, a member of an all
consuming race bent on the destruction of all living
things. Giving them a chance to live beyond the
simple need to feed, this also allows the Ymgarl to
experience a whole galaxy that previously had no
chance to exist to them. Broadening their horizons,
this brings the Ymgarl an epiphany of knowledge
54
about how the various societies that traverse the Void
function.
Allowing for more social interaction, the Ymgarl
becomes more familiar with the various social nicities
and nuances that the other races practice. Eventually,
combined with their natural talent for deception, they
can become skilled at operating in the open with truths
and negotiation.
Spending more time in alternative forms to their
Tyrannic base, many Infiltrators develop skill with the
weapons of the other races. This can give them an
extra edge should they go up against them afterwards.
Not all who develop this skill do so for beneficial
reasons, for some perfect the art of hiding purely for
the goal of making hunting and evading that much
easier. With the bevy of additional social interaction,
knowledge, and experience, and weapons training,
these kinds of Infiltrators are a nigh unstoppable force
on certain planets, able to feed to their heart's content
whilst continually eluding capture.
Regardless of what they decide to to,
Impersonators are the masters of shapeshifting and
adaptability.
 Ymgarl Impersonator Requirements and Advancement

New Talent: Impeccable Disguise

This talent allows the Tyranid to perfectly match
the biology of the race selected with Perfect Disguise.
The disguise is now effectively flawless, and only
breaking character or psychic mental intrusions could
reveal the true identity of what is underneath. This
talent removes the penatlies of Non-Imperial and
Speak Not Unto the Alien, due to the increased
exposure to the race for the former, and the
impeccable disguise for the latter.

New Talent: Eternal Shapeshifting

This talent allows the Tyranid to maintain their
Perfected Disguises without end. So reflexive and
ingrained is this shifting that they continue to remain
shifted even when unconscious or killed.

55
 Ymgarl Scavenger
Source Disclaimer: This Alternate Rank and the description of it
are purely fan made and unofficial. Feel free to use or disregard
it as you see fit.

Naturally gifted in the art of evasion, tracking,

and survival, Ymgarl Tyranids are well suited to
living on their own amongst the other denizens of the
Koronus Expanse. Given their own natural
proclivities and ability to blend in and learn, some
Ymgarl have found that, in certain locations, there are
better ways to obtain the blood they require than
hunting.
Perhaps through watching others perform the
same actions, perhaps by blending in and asking,
perhaps by being roped into it at the behest of a large
number of individuals with weapons they have come
across this new set of skills. Regardless of how, one
thing can be said without fail, Ymgarl Scavengers
have learned how to scavenge what they need to sell
and obtain blood through commercial means.
The examples above of how the Ymgarl came to
this conclusion are not the only methods that might
drive them to this skill, as the universe is a large place
with many night unexplainable things within it. What
does hold true is that these Ymgarl have taken a shine
to to Technological and the Commercial trades.
Ymgarl Scavengers have begun to develop an
understanding of Non-Biological Technology and the
importance it holds for the other races. This
newfound understanding can, as mentioned above,
provide an excellent method to obtain the thrones
required to purchase the blood they need from an
unscrupulous, or scrupulous depending on the planet,
source. Alternatively, they could also simply be
fascinated by Technology, and have begun following
a passion of a sort.
If they embark upon a more mercantile centric
interest, so too do they begin to understand the value
of commerce, and the process of exchanging money
for goods and services, and vice versa.
The natural resiliency of the Ymgarl aids their
pursuit of this goal, since many of them are able to
explore out and scavenge far further than other
humanoid could under the same circumstances,
drawing more to this path than one might initially
think.

56
 Ymgarl Scavenger Requirements and Advanement

New Talent: Hybrid Form

Through practice and experimentation, the
Scavenger has learned how to assume a form in-
between their base Tyrannic one and their preferred
Disguise. This allows the Tyranid to utilize Tyranid
Weaponry while in the form of their Preferred
Disguise. A successful Common Lore (Tech) or
Forbidden Lore (Archeotech) skill test allows the
Tyranid to camoflage Tyrannic weapons to look like
others. Which weapon is the most appropriate for the
Tyranid weapon to be camoflaged as is best
determined by what equivalent weapon leaves
a similar wound.

57
 Ymgarl Splicer
Source Disclaimer: This Alternate Rank and the lore describing
it are purely fan made and unofficial. Feel free to use or
disregard as you see fit.
While the Ymgarl who wander the Koronus
Expanse are in the end free to do whatever they wish,
many of them are haunted by a single overwhelming
facet of their existence. They are not wanted. Cut off
from the Hive Mind of the Tyranid race, the Ymgarl
are alone in the universe, and many seek the reason.
Splicers are those Ymgarl who dedicate
themselves to the pursuit of genetic engineering and
discovery. Some do this out of a curiosity, since their
abilities are unlike any other Tyranid in existence.
There are those that embark upon this path in an
attempt to bring to light the flawed genetics that
caused them to be cut off from the rest of their race,
and potentially restore their connection one day. Still
others embark upon this for a much more simpler
reason: to become stronger. The Koronus Expanse is
not for the faint of heart, and being able to shapeshift
combined with the natural resiliency of their Race
many would say that of all those in the Expanse, the
Ymgarl are some of the best suited. Those who have
58
embarked upon the mastery of Splicing can not only
tell, but show those who might think that just how
wrong they are.
Medicine and research are the primary skills that
Splicers utilize to perform their craft: exploring the
limits of their own abilities. The motivations vary
from Splicer to Splicer, but eventually most come to
the realization that there is much that can be done to
enhance their already substantial natural abilities.
These augmentations can produce some truly horrific
looking, and incredibly practical enhancements.
Many Splicers look to the other races of the
Expanse for genetic material to attempt to incorporate
into their own. This grants them a familiarity with the
inner workings of those races, an ability which can
come in most handy when attempting to take down a
squad of them.
Splicers represent the Bio-Engineering elite of the
Ymgarl in the Koronus Expanse. For all those who
embark upon this path, great rewards may lie in wait.
In this path more than any other lies the potential to
either embrace or reject the opportunity to join the
Galactic community.
Ymgarl Splicer Requirements and Advancements

New Talent: Genetic Enhancement

The Ymgarl has begun to enhance their already
substantial shapeshifting abilities. Pick one of the
following Traits: Auto-Stabilised, Quadruped, Sturdy,
the Splicer's base Tyrannic form gains that Trait. It
may be altered with the Shapeshifting talent as
normal.

New Talent: Genetic Perfection

Experimental splicing has yielded incredible fruit.
Each instance of this talent requires an instance of
Genetic Enhancement before it can be purchased. Pick
one of the following Traits: From Beyond,
Regeneration (+1), the Splicer's base Tyrannic Form
gains that Trait. It may be altered with the
Shapeshifting talent as normal.

New Talent: Genetic Apotheosis

The Splicer has become something more than they
ever possibly could have amongst the Hive. Pick one
of the following Traits: Phase, The Stuff of
Nightmares. The Splicer's base form gains that
Trait. It may be altered with the Shapeshifting
Talent as normal.

59
 Chapter 7: Ascendant Ymgarl Tyranids
This section of the guide is meant to provide
additional ranks for the Rogue Trader system,
bringing it's Experience Totals up to equal those
presented in the Dark Heresy: Ascension Rules
Supplement and the Deathwatch Core Rulebook. This
supplement provides three new Ranks for each Career
Path presented in the Rogue Trader Core Rulebook.
These ranks follow the normal rules for Rank
progression as detailed in the Rogue Trader Core
Rulebook. They may also be replaced by Alternate
Ranks as detailed in Into the Storm and other Rogue
Trader Supplements.
There are also several new talents and abilities
available as characters progress into this level of
expertise and ability, which are all detailed in the
New Talents section. These talents are all based off
existing talents present in other lines, and inherent
abilities presented at the end of the Career Paths
section of the Rogue Trader Core Rulebook. The
intent is to provide special abilities to every character
at this power level, but not to cause power levels to
become too divergent. The three new Expanded
Ranks utilize the following experience levels:
Rank 9: 35,000-39,999
Rank 10: 40,000-44,999
Rank 11: 45,000-49,999
60
These Expanded Ranks function identically to the
ranks described in the Rogue Trader Core Rulebook,
and function in exactly the same manner. Upgrades
are purchased from the given rank or a previous one
until the requisite amount of experience has been
spent to reach the next rank. Also provided are two
Additional Characteristic Advances. These Additional
Characteristic Advances each provide an additional +5
to attributes, and are purchased in the same fashion as
regular characteristics as detailed in the Rogue Trader
Core Rulebook. These new ranks may, at the player's
option, be swapped out for alternate ranks provided in
Into the Storm and other Rogue Trader Supplements,
following the standard rules for Alternate Ranks.
Remember to check the New Talents section
for clarification of any talents that are not presented in
the Rogue Trader Core Rulebook, and apply the
benefits described to the character.
Below you'll find expanded career paths for
the ones presented earlier in the guide, placed at the
end of the guide in case Legends of the Expanse
mechanics are not being used. I hope you enjoy the
expanded character creation rules now in the Tyranid
Character Guide!
 Expanded
Ymgarl
Genestealer
Career Path

61
62
 New Talents
Blade Dancer
Prerequisites: Weapon Skill 40, Two Weapon Wielder
(Melee)
The character has mastered the difficult ability
to wield a blade or other melee weapon in either hand,
making expert simultaneous attacks as they weave a
deadly pattern of steel. When armed with two single-
handed melee weapons with the Balanced Quality, the
character reduces the penalties for Two-Weapon
Fighting by 10 (so 20 would drop to 10). If taken
with the Ambidextrous Talent, this drops the penalty
to +0.
Cold Hearted
Prerequisites: None
Either chemical and surgical treatments or
sheer will has rendered the character immune to most
mundane temptations. Seduction attempts against him
automatically fail and Charm Tests increase their
Difficulty by one level. Taking this Talent causes one
Insanity Point. If the Explorer possesses the Chem
Geld talent, they instead gain the benefits of the
difficulty increase to any skill with the Interaction
descriptor, not just charm.
Death Dealer
Prerequisites: Weapon Skill 45, Ballistic Skill 45
The Explorer can place his hits where they
inflict maximum harm, such as gaps or joints in
armour. When the characters attack in that combat
type inflicts Critical damage, he adds his unmodified
Perception bonus to the damage result.
Deflect Shot
Prerequisites: Agility 50
The characters weapons move with such
speed that they can deflect thrown weapons and shots
fired from primitive weapons. When the character is
armed with a readied melee weapon, they add their
Weapon Skill Bonus to their Armour Points on all
locations (even unarmoured locations) when
calculating Damage from hits from ranged weapons
with the Primitive Special Quality or Thrown
weapons. This bonus armor does not apply to Blast
weapons.
63
Deny the Witch
Prerequisites: Willpower 35
The Explorer draws on his faith and mental
fortitude to act as his shield against those tainted by
the Warp. The character may use his Willpower
characteristic when making an Evasion Reaction
against ranged or melee attacks against him made with
psychic powers. When successfully evading an attack
with an area of effect, the character does not move but
instead is simply unaffected by the psychic power.
Eye of Vengeance
Prerequisites: Ballistic Skill 50
The character can focus their intent on where it
is likely to do most damage to their enemy and then
strike them down with a single shot. Before making a
ranged Standard Attack Action, the character may
spend a Fate Point. If he does so, his attack deals +X
Damage and gains +X Pen, where X equals the
number of Degrees of Success scored on the attack
roll.
Hammer Blow
Prerequisites: Crushing Blow
The character strikes a single blow with such
focus and force that it breaks armour and pulps flesh
as it strikes. When the character uses an All Out
Attack manoeuvre to make a single melee attack, they
may add half their Strength Bonus to the weapons
Armour Penetration. The attack also counts as having
the Concussive Special Quality to represent the
shocking force of the blows impact.
 New Talents
Hunger (Alleviated)
Prerequisties: Hunger (Tempered)
The Ymgarl has altered their biochemistry so
that they can maximize the duration of needing to
feed should their Hunger arise. This talent reduces
the Toughness Test presented in Ymgarl Hunger to an
Easy (+30) test and reduces the Willpower test
presented there to an Ordinary (+10). This talent also
grants the Ymgarl the ability to last much longer
without feeding upon shapeshifting, extending the
time to 4d5 hours. This also cuts the needed
nourishent down to an even further fraction of a
human sized creature (approximately .5 liters) due to
a metabolism of unsurpassed efficiency. Toughness
damage is now reduced by the Ymgarl's Toughness
Bonus to a minimum of 0. The Ymgarl, when not
utilizing shapeshifting, is able to stave off hunger for
a number of days equal to four times their Toughness
Bonus.
Killing Strike
Prerequisites: Weapon Skill 50
Certain Explorers are amongst the deadliest
warriors in the galaxy, and they have learned how
best to place their blows for maximum effect. When
taking the All-Out Attack action, an Explorer may
spend a Fate Point (before rolling the dice) to make
his melee attacks for that round impossible to parry or
dodge.
Master Mimic
Prerequisites: Ymgarl Tyranid, Hunger (Tempered),
Shapeshifting Mastery
The Ymgarl has mastered the art of
impersonation and is able to understand other cultures
without difficulty. The Ymgarl no longer suffers the
penalties of Speak Not Unto the Alien and Non-
Imperial when in Human disguise, and suffers no
equivalent penalties for shapeshifting into other races
either.
64
Mastery
Prerequisites: Any Skill +20
The character has become a consummate
master of a single Skill and can perform feats with it
that would baffle lesser men. The character may spend
a Fate Point to automatically pass a Skill Test with his
chosen Skill (which must be at +20), provided the
final modifier to his Skill Test is 0 or better. In
addition to simply passing the Test, the character will
pass it by a number of Degrees of Success equal to it's
associated Characteristic Bonus. This Talent may be
taken more than once, each time for a different Skill.
Meditative Frenzy
Prerequisites: Frenzy, Battle Rage, Willpower 45
So practiced is the character in the art of fury
and destruction that is has become a natural state for
them. The character no longer suffers a -20 to Ballistic
Skills and Willpower Tests. So focused is their fury
that they are able to act more freely under it's
influence, and as such are no longer required to move
closer to their target or utilize the All-Out Attack
action.
Miraculous Survival
Prerequisites: n/a
The Explorer is not merely protected by their
faith in the Emperor, it is clear to all that He has plans
for them and they will not die until He ordains it.
When the Explorer burns a Fate Point to avoid death,
they stands up (or climbs their way out of the rubble,
etc.) at the beginning of their next action completely
unharmed in any way. They have full wounds, no
fatigue and are cured of any critical effects that they
had sustained, even if the damage was incurred before
the event that would have caused their death.
Natural Weapon Mastery
Prerequisites: Ymgarl Tyranid, Hunger (Tempered),
Shapeshifting Mastery
The Ymgarl has made their weapons so much
a part of themselves that they are able to perform feats
like few other species. The Ymgarl may now parry
with their Natural Weapons at no risk of breaking
them against power fields.
 New Talents
Never Die
Prerequisites: Toughness 50, Willpower 50
The characters will or devotion to the
Emperor can sustain him when his mortal body fails
him. The character can spend one Fate Point to ignore
the effects of injury, Fatigue, and Stunning for a
single combat. This Talent does not prevent the
Damage, but allows the character to temporarily
ignore its effects for the duration of the combat.
Death still affects him normally.
Ossified Carapace 10
Prerequisites: Ymgarl Tyranid, Hardened Carapace 8
The Ymgarl Tyranid has learned to produce
truly plates of legendary durability to protect
themselves, granting themselves an additional +2
armor for a total of 10. The same restrictions
mentioned in the Reinforced Chitin 2 and
Shapeshifting talents still apply.
Ossified Carapace 12
Prerequisites: Ymgarl Tyranid, Hardened Carapace 8
The Ymgarl Tyranid has learned to produce
truly plates of legendary durability to protect
themselves, granting themselves an additional +2
armor for a total of 12. The same restrictions
mentioned in the Reinforced Chitin 2 and
Shapeshifting talents still apply.
Peerless Marksmanship
Prerequisites: Deadeye Shot, Marksman,
Sharpshooter, Ballistic Skill 40, Perception 40
The character has perfected the art of leading
and adjusting for atmospheric conditions so
frequently that it has become second nature. So great
is the character's skill with firearms that they may
now utilize the Called Shot special action as a half
action.
Preturnatural Speed
Prerequisites: Weapon Skill 40, Agility 50
The character is a swift moving bringer of
death, a living, bloody scythe before whom foes die
like corn before the reaper. The character may use
Swift Attack and Lighting Attack as a Half Action
rather than a Full Action. In addition, the
character may use the Swift Attack and
Lightning Attack Talents during a Charge.
Sidearm
Prerequisites: Weapon Skill 40, Ballistic Skill 40, Two
Weapon Wielder (Ballistic, Melee)
Many Rogue Traders among the stars of the
Koronus Expanse favour fighting with both blade and
pistol. When armed with a pistol in one hand and
melee weapon in the other (both of which the
character could normally use single-handed), the
character reduces the penalty for Two-Weapon
Fighting by 10 (so 20 would drop to 10). If taken
with the Ambidextrous Talent, this drops the penalty
to 0.
Stalwart Defense
Prerequisites: Weapon Skill 50, Fearless
The Explorer stands immovable and
indomitable, as if he were made of rock and iron
against which foes break like water against a cliff. The
Explorer may spend a Fate Point as a Full Action to
adopt a Stalwart Defense. While adopting this
condition, the Explorer may not move and may not
Dodge. He may make a Parry reaction against all
successful strikes against him, and all Damage he
suffers is reduced by 2. Furthermore, the characters
enemies gain no benefits for outnumbering the
Explorer in close combat. These effects last until the
Explorer chooses to end his Stalwart Defense or until
he is rendered incapable of fighting.
Shapeshifting Perfection
Prerequisites: Ymgarl Tyranid, Shapeshifting Mastery
Surpassing almost all other Ymgarl Tyranids,
their shapeshifting has become truly a work of art.
The Ymgarl adds an additional +10 (for a total of +30
from this talent) to all Disguise checks to shapeshift,
allows the shapeshift to persist for a number of weeks
equal to their Willpower Bonus, and allows the
Ymgarl to shapeshift three size categories larger or
smaller. This talent also reflects the fact that the
Ymgarl has perfected their shapeshirting abilities,
allowing them to add more fomidable abilities from
the deadliest of Tyranid strains. The degrees of
success required by medicae tests increases to 4.
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 New Talents
Storm of Iron
Prerequisites: Ballistic Skill 45
When facing massed enemies on the
battlefield, the character lays down a storm of
firepower that even the most foolhardy cannot push
through. When the character deals Damage to a target
with a semi-auto burst or a full-auto burst, the
character may allocate his extra hits to any other
target within five metres, instead of the usual two
metres.
Street Fighting
Prerequisites: Weapon Skill 30
The character is adept in close and dirty
fighting, favouring small weapons or even his bare
hands to take down his foes. When armed with a knife
(powered, chain or otherwise), similar small weapon,
or simply armed with his bare hands, he adds half his
Weapon Skill Bonus to any Critical Damage he
inflicts.
Subdermal Carapace
Prerequisites: Ymgarl Tyranid, Hunger (Tempered),
Shapeshifting Mastery
Through experimentation and practice, the
Ymgarl Tyranid has mastered the art of creating
Chitinous Plates, and has learned how to minimize
their obtrusiveness to the point where they can be
manifested underneath worn armor. The Ymgarl may
now add any armor gained from Reinforced Chitin or
other equivalent talents to the Armor Value of any
worn armor when in a shapeshifted form capable of
wearing it.
Target Selection
Prerequisites: Ballistic Skill 50
The characters dread gaze marks out his
chosen victim and not even the riotous confusion of
close combat interferes. The character may shoot into
melee with no penalty. If he aims beforehand, he can
avoid any chance of hitting friendly targets.
Thunder Charge
Prerequisites: Strength 50
The Explorer charges into combat using his
armoured body as an additional weapon. Driven by his
armour and the Explorers enhanced muscle, the
impact of such a charge is like being struck by a
thunderbolt. When the Explorer makes a Charge
Action, first make an unarmed attack against every
opponent he is charging. This represents slamming
into the enemy with the characters armoured bulk.
This attack automatically also has the potential to
knock the opponent down in the same way as if the
Explorer had used the Knock Down Action. Once this
attack has been resolved, the Explorer may make his
normal Charge Attack as normal.
Tyranid
Prerequisites: Ymgarl Tyranid, Hunger (Tempered),
Shapeshifting Mastery.
After spending so much time Shapeshifting,
the Ymgarl has recovered the immunities of their
bretheren. Tyranids are immune to all of the effects of
the following: pinning, mind-affecting Psychic
Powers, warp based powers that affect the mind, cold,
heat, diseases, and poisons, including the effects of
weapons with the Toxic Quality.
Unpowered Weapon Mastery
Prerequisites: Melee Weapon Training
(Universal)
The Explorer has learned the art of deflecting
power weapons on the field of battle in such a fashion
as to preserve non powered ones meeting them by
swatting them aside and catching hilt and haft instead
of the power field directly. Explorers with this talent
ignore the chance that power weapons have to destroy
non-powered weapons when parrying or being
parried.
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 New Talents
Warp Lock
Prerequisites: Willpower 50, Psy Rating, Strong
Minded
The character has learned to swiftly cut
himself off from the Warp to protect himself from
harm. Once per game session, the character may
ignore a Psychic Phenomenon result he has rolled
(including a result that would indicate rolling on the
Perils of the Warp Table) completely negating its
effects. Such rapid dislocation from the Warp,
through, is stressful and traumatic to the characters
mind and they will suffer 1d5 Energy Damage to the
Head location (not reduced by Armour or Toughness)
as a result, and may not make any Focus Power Tests
or sustain other Psychic Powers until the beginning of
his next Turn.
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Whirlwind of Death
Prerequisites: Weapon Skill 40
When facing massed opponents in combat, the
character becomes a whirlwind of death, moving,
hacking, gutting, and beheading with ceaseless fury.
When attacking more than one foe in close combat,
the character may make one melee attack for each foe
he is facing, up to a maximum equal to his Weapon
Skill Bonus. Each additional attack beyond the first
counts as a Free Action, but cannot be combined with
any other Talents or abilities which would grant extra
attacks or hits (i.e. Lightning Attack, Furious Charge,
etc.). The character may choose in which order he
attacks his opponents.
 A Note from the Author
And so here is the completed first draft Tyranid Character Guide, as of 6-22-17 (US Date Notation).
This was an incredibly interesting project to work on, and took much more research from a wider variety of
sources! The particulars of how the Ymgarl got there are meant to be vague to allow for the GM running to
come up with a variety of explanations and options. Since Tyranids are incredibly rare in the Koronus
Expanse, there is little to no lore on them being there. Additionally, in an effort to not step on the toes of any
official lore that might come out vagueness seemed to be the best option. The Ymgarl were the obvious
choice for a PC Tyranid, due to their separation from the hive mind and the fact that their homeworld is
located right around the Calixis Sector and Koronus Expanse, so just take that as a baseline and go forth from
there! Hopefully this meshes up will with the existing Xenos Character Guides, and here's hoping that you
enjoy the opportunity to play a Ymgarl Genestealer!
A huge thanks goes out to those who have done the artwork utilized in this guide. If you would like a
credit, please feel free to contact me and I will add in a Credits page with your name and a link to the original
image location.
Additional thanks goes out to LibreOffice, without whom I would not be able to create these Character
Guides. And incredible free program, and highly recommended.
Special thanks goes out to all those who gave me feedback on the FFG forums, helping with balance
issues, grammatical obfuscation, and typos, in particular aleandro01. It's been a huge help!
Finally, a huge thanks to Fantasy Flight Games for continuing the Warhammer 40,000 Roleplay
system. Good luck to them and here's to the next set of fantastic supplments.
If you have any questions, find some typos, or simply wish to contact me, send me an email at
LodgeBlackman99@gmail.com, or visit http://www.lodgeblackmangames.jigsy.com.

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